2023 Kentucky Derby Clocker Report: Rocket Can works in blinkers

CHURCHILL DOWNS
Sunday, April 23, 2023
Weather: Sunny
Track: Fast
Temperature: 38

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Nobody had any problem keeping their cool Sunday morning at Churchill Downs, where the temperature dipped into the mid-to-high 30s during training hours, and reached its low point about the time the track opened for the 15-minute window reserved for Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses at 7:30 a.m. following the renovation break.

While the track was relatively busy during the period, the special session produced only three works, one by a Derby contender, a second from a Derby hopeful and the third by one of the leading candidates to win the 2023 Kentucky Oaks.

Rocket Can is definitely in the Derby lineup by virtue of his victory in the Grade 3 Holy Bull and second-place finish behind Forte in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth earlier this winter at Gulfstream Park. He was given a target this morning, breaking off five to six lengths behind stablemate Game Warden, but made up most of that ground after the opening furlong of his five-eighths drill.

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Rocket Can, trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, was just a head back of his mate while a bit wide turning for home after posting a 36.73 three-furlong split. He was finally able to edge away from his overmatched partner when put to some light encouragement and while on his left lead approaching the wire, completing the distance in 1:01.13 before galloping out well clear in 1:14.55, his rider keeping him well off the rail and under some urging into the turn. Rocket Can worked in blinkers, equipment he has not worn in any of his seven career starts and a situation Mott addressed a short while later.

“We added blinkers in today’s work and will for the race,” Mott said. “Hopefully, that will help him go past horses when he runs up beside them.”

Cyclone Mischief still needs a few defections to be in the Derby starting gate a week from Saturday. He was the first to breeze during the special session, covering five furlongs in 1:00.97 under regular exercise rider Tammy Fox. He completed a final quarter in 24.10 while nudged nearing the wire before continuing to be asked along some to get six panels in 1:14.56.

“I thought he worked great this morning, I hope we can get him in the Derby,” said trainer Dale Romans, who does have the Pat Day Mile on the May 6 undercard as a potential backup plan if his horse cannot qualify for the main event.

The lone Oaks worker on Sunday was Grade 1 Ashland winner Defining Purpose, who breezed an easy half-mile in 48.40, galloping out in 1:02.01 before easing up seven-eighths in 1:15.30.

It was a bit surprising and obviously very encouraging to see likely Derby second choice Tapit Trice back out to gallop for a second straight morning following an impressive breeze here Friday. Stablemate and Derby favorite Forte, who also worked Friday and galloped fairly strongly the morning after, did not train on Sunday.

Japanese invaders Derma Sotogake and Continuar were out for their typical extended period this morning, the latter not the prettiest mover galloping over the main track today. The connections of both horses have not confirmed any upcoming workout plans at this point.

Wild On Ice, who qualified for the Derby by virtue of his stunning victory in the Sunland Derby, trained just before the first renovation break and made a very nice appearance, neck bowed, pretty much just cantering around the one-mile oval and seemingly enjoying the crisp weather today.

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