Weather postpones works; Wilko breezes in California

Trainer Nick Zito, who will tie a Kentucky Derby (G1) record with five
starters in next Saturday’s 1 1/4-mile event, bypassed scheduled workouts for
BELLAMY ROAD (Concerto), HIGH FLY (Atticus) and NOBLE CAUSEWAY (Giant’s
Causeway) on Saturday at Churchill Downs due to the weather and will try again
on Sunday. After overnight rain left the Louisville, Kentucky, track muddy on
Saturday morning, Zito decided to instead send his trio out for 1 1/2-mile
gallops.

“We will try again tomorrow,” the two-time Derby-winning conditioner said.
“Even if the weather gets bad (Sunday), I can wait until Monday. Why take a
chance?”

Grade 3 winner SUN KING (Charismatic), who breezed five furlongs in 1:00 on
Thursday, also galloped 1 1/2 miles at Churchill for Zito. His fifth Derby
contender, Arkansas Derby (G2) third-placer ANDROMEDA’S HERO (Fusaichi Pegasus),
is stabled at Keeneland and was out for a gallop there Saturday morning. Zito
said he expects to name a rider for Andromeda’s Hero on Monday.

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) winner WILKO (Awesome Again) was the only
Kentucky Derby prospect to work Saturday, breezing five furlongs in :59 4/5 over
the fast track at Hollywood Park. The Craig Dollase trainee exits a close third
in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) after finishing fourth in his seasonal bow, the
San Felipe S. (G2).

Afleet Alex comes off an eight-length victory in the Arkansas Derby (Michael J. Marten/Horsephotos.com) “It was a good, strong work,” Dollase said. “We caught him galloping out six furlongs in 1:11.80, so the last quarter was in :22 and change. He went really well.” Corey Nakatani will replace Frankie Dettori aboard Wilko in the Kentucky Derby. The chestnut colt is scheduled to arrive at Churchill Downs on Sunday. The other California-based Kentucky Derby contenders, BUZZARDS BAY (Marco Bay) and GIACOMO (Holy Bull), won’t leave for Kentucky until Wednesday. In other Kentucky Derby news: Trainer Tim Ritchey hasn’t decided whether to send Arkansas Derby hero AFLEET ALEX (Northern Afleet), who drilled five furlongs in a bullet :59 last Tuesday at Churchill, out for another workout prior to the Kentucky Derby. “It depends on the weather,” Ritchey said. “If I work, fine. If not, it is no big deal. It would be an easy half if he goes.” Ritchey, who has never had a Kentucky Derby starter before, has brought a different training regiment to this year’s event. Afleet Alex’s regular routine has been to jog under the Twin Spires when the track opens around dawn and then return later in the morning after the renovation break for a gallop. On Saturday, the bay colt hit the track a little after 6 a.m. (EDT) for a two-mile jog. He made his second visit around 8:35, jogging eight furlongs before galloping two miles.

Blue Grass (G1) victor BANDINI (Fusaichi Pegasus), one of three contenders
trained by Todd Pletcher, will receive his final Kentucky Derby drill on Sunday.
So will stablemate and Lane’s End S. (G2) hero FLOWER ALLEY (Distorted Humor),
who exits a runner-up placing in the Arkansas Derby.

Pat Valenzuela has picked up the mount aboard Pletcher’s third hopeful, COIN
SILVER (Anees). Javier Castellano, rider of likely Kentucky Derby
favorite Bellamy Road, guided Coin Silver to victory in the Lexington S. (G2).

Bob Baffert, a three-time Kentucky Derby winner, confirmed the likely
participation of Lexington runner-up SORT IT OUT (Out of Place).

“I’m leaning toward running,” Baffert said. “I like what I see, how he came
out of the Lexington. He came out of the race better than he went in. It’s like
he woke up. He looks good, like he’s blooming in Kentucky.”

SPANISH CHESTNUT (Horse Chestnut [SAf]), who remains on the fence for the
131st Kentucky Derby, will van to Churchill from Keeneland on Monday morning and
work five furlongs after the renovation break. A decision is expected Monday
following the breeze, and Joe Bravo will ride the Patrick Biancone-trained
chestnut if he starts.