Woolley mulling possible riders for Mine That Bird

Mine That Bird won’t team up with Calvin Borel again for the foreseeable future (Reed Palmer Photography/Churchill Downs) Trainer Chip Woolley said Thursday morning that he had a couple of riders under consideration to guide Kentucky Derby (G1) winner MINE THAT BIRD (Birdstone) in the August 1 West Virginia Derby (G2) at Mountaineer Park. Woolley decided to seek a new rider because he had not received a firm commitment for the West Virginia Derby from Calvin Borel, who had piloted Mine That Bird to victory in the Run for the Roses and a third-place finish in the June 6 Belmont S. (G1). Woolley is seeking a three-race commitment covering the West Virginia Derby, the August 29 Travers (G1) at Saratoga and the November 7 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Santa Anita.

“I thank Calvin for the job he has done for us, but going race to race is not
a good option for us, and we think we are better off going with someone who will
be there when we need him,” Woolley said. “It is strictly a business decision,
and Calvin and (agent) Jerry (Hissam) will always be welcome in my shedrow.”

Mine That Bird, who went twice around the main track Thursday morning with
exercise rider Rudy Gallegos up, had his first work since the Belmont on Monday
when he covered a half-mile in :51 under Borel.

Woolley has three more Churchill Downs works scheduled for Mine That Bird
before leaving for Mountaineer. Woolley had planned to ship Mine That Bird to
Mountaineer on July 16 or 17 to get two breezes over the track, but that has
changed.

“I think we are better off staying here and move up there closer to the
race,” Woolley said. “He will work here on the 20th and we’d go up the 24th in
time to gallop him twice over the track before one work there. But even that is
subject to change.”