Churchill Downs workout will set Animal Kingdom's Kentucky Derby status

Jockey Robby Albarado will work Spiral Stakes winner Animal Kingdom on dirt Saturday at Churchill Downs, a drill that is expected to determine Animal Kingdom's status for the May 7 Kentucky Derby, Barry Irwin, the president of owner Team Valor International, said on Monday.

"We wanted Robby to work him because he won on him at 2 and he has breezed him in the past," Irwin said. "This way, we can get the best possible line on whether the colt can act on the Churchill Downs main track."

Since the Spiral, which was run on Polytrack, Animal Kingdom has been at Keeneland, where he worked on Saturday on Polytrack. He is trained by Graham Motion, who also has Wood Memorial winner Toby's Corner in this year's Derby field.

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