SORT IT OUT - Lexington Stakes runner-up Sort It Out, trainer Bob Baffert's lone hope for a fourth victory in the Kentucky Derby, boosted his stock this morning with a sharp half-mile breeze in :47.20 at Churchill Downs.
With exercise rider Dana Barnes in the saddle and accompanied by workmate Apalachee Tiger, Joe Deegan up, Sort It Out, a long-striding son of Out of Place, came on the track after the renovation break. Positioned on the outside, the colt appeared to be full of run in a workout that greatly pleased Baffert.
"He really surprised us this morning," said the trainer. "He was aggressive all the way. That's the best he's ever worked. Apalachee Tiger usually beats him, but not today. He was reaching out and really did it nice.
"He was wanting to do more and I was talking to Dana telling her to take a hold. He was wanting to go faster. I really feel this horse has moved forward and is turning the corner. I'm very upbeat about him and think he has a chance to get a piece of the purse Saturday. He proved he deserves the chance in the Derby and he's brought excitement to the barn.
"This horse is enjoying what he's doing now, not like when I first started training him. He's had a lot of races and he has a good mind so the big field won't bother him Saturday. He's still going to have to improve a lot to threaten the big horses like Bellamy Road and High Fly, but he's healthy and doing good."
Sort It Out's time, the same given Apalachee Tiger, was second fastest of 61 horses breezing a half-mile this morning. Baffert believes this field of three-year-olds in the 131st Kentucky Derby is the deepest since 1997 when his Silver Charm defeated Captain Bodgit, Free House and Pulpit. Concerto, sire of current Derby favorite Bellamy Road, was ninth.
Brice Blanc will be aboard Sort It Out Saturday for owners Stonerside Stable and Preferred Pals Stable.
SPANISH CHESTNUT - The Horse Chestnut colt had an easy morning back at his Keeneland home Monday, the day after his final serious Derby work. Trainer Patrick Biancone said the colt had a "promenade" at Keeneland Monday morning, a light exercise consisting of a little walking, a little jogging and a little sightseeing.
On Sunday morning, the colt owned by Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith (who also have Bandini in the Derby) shipped to Churchill Downs to work five furlongs in 1:00.40.
"He is coming to the race very well and I'm happy with what I see," Biancone said. "He is certainly a fit horse."
Spanish Chestnut has made five starts this year, winning the San Rafael Stakes in his 3-year-old debut. A dedicated front-runner, he set much of the pace in the Blue Grass last out before tiring to finish sixth behind Bandini.
Joe Bravo, who won Grade I races aboard Lion Heart last year for Biancone, will ride Spanish Chestnut for the first time Saturday.
WILKO - Last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner arrived at Churchill Downs late Sunday night, and was bedded down in Wally Dollase's Barn 29. Wilko is trained by Craig Dollase (son of the veteran conditioner), who also arrived in Louisville late Sunday night. The Awesome Again colt just walked under the shedrow Monday morning, led around by his trainer.
"He shipped fine," Craig Dollase said. "But it's a long trip, and with the time change he's a little sleepy. He'll probably gallop tomorrow, but we'll play it by ear."
Wilko, owned by J. Paul, Roy and Susan Reddam, came into Dollase's barn after the Breeders' Cup at Lone Star Park. In three California races, he was third in the Hollywood Futurity, fourth in the San Felipe and third in the Santa Anita Derby last out. Corey Nakatani will have the mount in the Derby.
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From a Churchill Downs press release
