Kentucky Derby: Pants On Fire relaxes in workout

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. – After watching Pants On Fire scorch five furlongs in 58 and change eight days earlier, trainer Kelly Breen wanted a little something easier out of his Louisiana Derby winner Saturday morning at Palm Meadows. And that’s exactly what he got.

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The weather and track conditions were pleasant in south Florida when Pants On Fire stepped onto a fast and near deserted racetrack at Palm Meadows immediately after the renovation break to work five furlongs in 1:00.92.

Pants On Fire, who forced the pace before outlasting the late-charging Nehro to win the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby by a neck, looked relaxed and well within himself posting splits of 12.32, 24.19, and 36.05 seconds for the opening three furlongs. Pants On Fire changed leads on cue and was given just a couple of light taps of the stick at the head of the stretch, completing his final quarter in 24.87 under little to no further urging. He did shut down a bit quickly once passing the wire, galloping out six furlongs in 1:16.42.

“It was a good work,” said trainer Kelly Breen who looked on from the clockers’ stand at the finish line. “He breezed in company and went extremely fast last week. Today was just a maintenance work and I told the rider not to get after him. Just to sit on him and he appeared to be very relaxed.”

Pants On Fire was scheduled to ship to Louisville Saturday evening with Breen planning to travel on Monday.

“I’ll bring him back and work him a half mile at Churchill Downs either Saturday or Sunday,” said Breen. “I’ll crank him up a bit for that one because I want to put him on his toes.

“I think we’re sitting in a golden seat. It’s all about post position now.”