As the anticipation for the Kentucky Derby builds, several top contenders have commenced their final preparations at Churchill Downs. Prominent horses such as Tappan Street, American Promise, Coal Battle, and Admire Daytona made appearances on the main track this Monday morning. These athletes, under the watchful eyes of trainers and exercise riders, are undergoing a series of workouts and gallops to ensure peak performance for the prestigious event. Each horse has its own unique regimen tailored by its respective team, reflecting the diverse strategies employed in preparing these equine athletes for the big race.
Tappan Street, victorious in the Grade 1 Florida Derby, and American Promise, who triumphed in the Virginia Derby, were among those seen training early Monday. Admire Daytona, winner of the UAE Derby, continued his light training routine with an exercise rider aboard. This son of Drefong warmed up in the one-mile chute before engaging in a 1 1/4 mile gallop. Scheduled for a breeze on Tuesday, Admire Daytona is maintaining a steady pace leading up to the Derby.
American Promise, having arrived from Oaklawn on Sunday, was observed galloping over a sealed surface at 6:20 a.m., demonstrating strong form under rider Tayja Smith. Meanwhile, Built, another contender, completed a gallop watched closely by trainer Wayne Catalano. The Blue Grass Stakes winner, Burnham Square, jogged Monday morning, recovering from his half-mile work on Saturday.
Chunk Of Gold, still training at Turfway Park, remains on schedule with another maintenance work planned for Friday before heading to Churchill Downs. Bob Baffert’s duo, Citizen Bull and Rodriguez, are set to arrive Thursday via Indianapolis, while Coal Battle engaged in a paddock schooling session under Bethany Taylor. Trainer Lonnie Briley indicated that Coal Battle would likely work again on Tuesday, building on previous efforts that included a five-furlong breeze in 1:01.2.
In further developments, East Avenue, runner-up in the Blue Grass Stakes, returned to the track after a half-mile breeze, and Final Gambit also resumed training post-workout. Flying Mohawk enjoyed an easy day following his recent move, with plans for another breeze before the Derby. Grande, scheduled to breeze at Keeneland, will subsequently van to Churchill Downs, while Journalism, the Santa Anita Derby winner, is due to arrive Tuesday evening.
Luxor Café, arriving from Japan, will undergo USDA quarantine in Chicago before reaching Churchill Downs Wednesday evening. Owen Almighty took a walk day at Brian Lynch’s barn, and Steve Asmussen’s horses, Publisher and Tiztastic, both returned to action following their prior workout. Sandman and Sovereignty completed substantial gallops, indicating readiness for the upcoming challenge.
With each day bringing them closer to the Kentucky Derby, these horses and their teams are meticulously fine-tuning their preparations. The diversity in training methods underscores the dedication and expertise involved in readying these athletes for what promises to be an exhilarating competition. All eyes are now on Churchill Downs as the stage is set for the next phase of Derby preparation.
