Top Sportsbooks
Kentucky Derby Workout Report
4/28/10
Lets go back to the year 2007. The Kentucky Derby was won by Breeders Cup Juvenile winner Street Sense. He broke the curse and became the first colt to take both races. He had a perfect trip under jockey Calvin Borel and slipped up the rail to charge by Hard Spun. If not for that perfect trip Hard Spun might have won at odds of 10-1. Hard Spun, trained by LArry Jones, had a super work of :57 3/5 B for five furlongs before the race. Much can be learned by monitoring how works go the week before the Run for the Roses. Lets take a look at the best workers and not so good workers this year.
Paddy OPrado – You would never know this son of El Prado was a long shot based on his works. His final tune up was a five furlong move in :58.40 for trainer Dale Romans. The grey colt is certainly relishing the wet track. He is steadily improving and was last seen finishing second in the Grade 1 Bluegrass Stakes. Romans said the work was spectacular and that all systems are go. He galloped out a mile in just over 1:41. He broke his maiden two back in Grade 3 company. He seems like a push button horse and the jockey can tell him to go at will. If he continues to improve he could get on the board or even win at odds greater than 30-1 on the First Saturday in May.
Awesome Act – The European son of Awesome again had what his trainer thinks is his one of his best if not his best work ever. He fired out Four furlongs in :48 1/5 seconds. He galloped out strongly in 1:00 4/5 under jockey Julien Leparoux. He doesnt usually gallop out well so he must be feeling good. The Derby distance will be perfect for his closing style. He is a huge threat to win after finishing third in the Wood Memorial last out where he threw a shoe.
Conveyance – Bob Bafferts colt worked a strong five furlongs in :59 and change. He will be sent to the lead and take them as far as he can. We expect him to be gasping for air by the time they turn for home, but anything can happen.
Nobles Promise – The Grade 1 Futurity winner was on the fence after a fifth place finish in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby, but he will be racing in the Kentucky Derby after firing off a :59 4/5 five furlong move. He worked an easy Four furlongs in :48 4/5 after that galloping out in 1:02 and change. He is by champion sprinter Cuvee so its hard to say if he can handle the distance.
Ice Box – The Florida Derby winner worked Four furlongs in :46 2/5 for trainer Nick Zito. He will be flying late with a huge closing kick. Jockey Jose Lezcano will be in the irons. The son of Pulpit has a strong pedigree with many Kentucky Derby winners in his line. Is he good enough? Its hard to tell, but he is certainly doing well on the track.
Line of David – The Arkansas Derby winner hasnt done well at Churchill Downs. He struggled through six furlongs in 1:15 and may scratch if the track comes up wet. Jockey Rafael Bejarano will ride for trainer John Sadler. He has won three in a row since adding blinkers.
Lookin at LUcky – The favorite worked a strong six furlongs in 1:12. He won the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park, so distance will be no problem for him. He has won 6 of 8 starts. Jockey Garrett Gomez will retain the mount despite a poor ride in both the Rebel and Santa Anita Derby.
Sidneys Candy – John Sadlers Santa Anita Derby winner looked excellent working six furlongs in 1:11 and change. If the track comes up wet we believe his chances will go up. Jockey Joe Talamo will ride. We expect him to try and rate a length or two from the pace. His ability to do this could be the difference in winning or losing.