Trainer Todd Pletcher’s quartet of Kentucky Derby (G1) hopefuls, who all arrived at Churchill Downs from Florida Monday afternoon, each galloped 1 3/8 miles over a sloppy surface at the Louisville track Tuesday morning.
“They all handled the ship well (from Palm Beach Downs) and I thought they performed well this morning and the sloppy conditions were no issue,” Pletcher said.
Pletcher has riders confirmed for three of his hopefuls: two-time Derby winner John Velazquez on Vino Rosso, Luis Saez on Magnum Moon and Javier Castellano on Audible. Noble Indy’s rider is to be determined.
Pletcher said he intends on working them all later in the week.
“I am leaning toward Friday (rather than Saturday),” Pletcher said. “It will depend on the weather and it looks like there may be some rain Friday afternoon.”
Also scheduled to breeze this week are Flameaway (Saturday), Free Drop Billy and Promises Fulfilled (this weekend), Good Magic (“It will depend on the weather but most likely Saturday,” trainer Chad Brown said.), Lone Sailor, and My Boy Jack (Saturday).
Kentucky Oaks update
Trainer Mark Casse confirmed that Wonder Gadot would be ridden in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) by John Velazquez. The Demoiselle (G2) winner will work Friday or Saturday.
Other Oaks contenders scheduled to work this week are: Blamed (Friday or Saturday), Coach Rocks (this weekend), Heavenhasmynikki (Friday), and My Miss Lilly (Thursday).
Kentucky Derby, Oaks workouts streamed live
Churchill Downs, in conjunction with TwinSpires.com, is providing live online streaming of Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks contenders’ workouts.
The live stream presented by TwinSpires.com will begin at 7 a.m. (EDT) daily through May 3 and is available at multiple sources including on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kentuckyderby; on Twitter via @KentuckyDerby; on YouTube at www.youtube.com/kentuckyderby; and www.kentuckyderby.com/works.
The live video will include graphics to identify each horse and commentary from an array of industry experts, including Churchill Downs Host and Racing Analyst Joe Kristufek, TwinSpires.com Racing Analyst Ed DeRosa, Brisnet.com Racing Analyst James Scully, and TwinSpires.com Clocker Brandon Stauble.
Different from year’s past, training hours at Churchill Downs will be 5:15-10 a.m. daily through May 3 with 7-7:30 a.m. and 8:30-9 a.m. breaks to renovate the racetrack. A special 15-minute session from 7:30-7:45 a.m. (formerly 8:30-8:45 a.m. in years past) is exclusive to Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks participants and any workmates. The specially-made Derby and Oaks saddle towels must be worn to gain access to the racetrack during that window.
