Kentucky Derby works: Breakdown of racemare mars training session

LOUISVILLE, KY. - Tuesday morning’s Derby-Oaks training session ended in tragedy when Gilded Gem broke down crossing the finish line after breezing six furlongs in company with trainer Bob Baffert’s Oaks candidate Plum Pretty.

Baffert had already sent out his Santa Anita Derby winner Midnight Interlude to breeze six furlongs in 1:13.51 in company with stablemate Mythical Power. Midnight Interlude broke off a length behind Mythical Power at the five furlong pole, pulled even at the quarter pole after going three-eighths in 36.46, but could not get past his partner through the stretch and around the turn, dropping about a half-length behind at the wire and more than a length back when completing his work at the seven-furlong marker. Midnight Interlude galloped out seven-eighths in 1:27.22.

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Plum Pretty began her work at the six-furlong pole about a length in front of Gilded Gem, whom Baffert said he planned to run in the Humana Distaff, and was pulling away at the wire when the accident occurred. Plum Pretty continued on to the seven-furlong pole, completing her work in 1:28.86. Gilded Gem was euthanized as a result of her injuries.

Santiva was the only other Kentucky Derby hopeful to work followiing the renovation break over a racetrack upgraded to good after first being rated sloppy and then changed to muddy during the early training session. Santiva went in company with stablemate Shotgun Shine, completing a half-mile in 49.22 with a final quarter in 24.72 while under some pressure to finish. Santiva galloped out five-eighths in 1:03.22.

A strong headwind of up to 25 miles per hour prevailed down the stretch during the Derby-Oaks training session, which began at 8:30 a.m.