Carpe Diem scheduled for weekend work

Carpe Diem is doing well at Keeneland in the run-up to the Derby, according to Pletcher (Keeneland/Coady Photography)

Trainer Todd Pletcher has spent the past couple of days at
Keeneland checking out the barn that has produced a meet-leading seven victories
with three stakes wins.

Included in the Keeneland contingent is Blue Grass
(G1) winner Carpe Diem (Giant’s Causeway), one of five Pletcher horses who have a chance to appear
in the $2 million Kentucky Derby (G1) on May 2 at Churchill Downs. Three of the
horses — Materiality (Afleet Alex), Stanford (Malibu Moon), Itsaknockout (Lemon
Drop Kid) — are in Florida. Madefromlucky (Lookin at Lucky),
fourth in last Saturday’s Arkansas Derby (G1), arrived at Keeneland Monday after
flying into Louisville, Kentucky.

Carpe Diem has been on the track when it first opens in the
morning or at the end of training hours.

“He has looked very good,” Pletcher said. “He has handled the moisture in the
track very well and I applaud Keeneland for having a terrific track.”

The conditioner plans to work Carpe Diem Sunday morning with the ship date to Churchill
to be determined.

“He likes a quiet environment and he is doing so well here.
We will play that by ear,” said Pletcher, who plans to ship the remainder of his
Derby prospects to Louisville next Tuesday along with Kentucky Oaks
(G1) hopefuls Angela Renee (Bernardini), who is at Keeneland, and Eskenformoney
(Eskendereya), who is in
Florida.

“Angela Renee will work here in the morning,” he said
of the Ashland S. (G1) runner-up. “My plan is to be in Florida
for Eskenformoney’s work Friday, the colts on Saturday and then be back here
Sunday for Carpe Diem.”