Authentic works for Santa Anita Derby

Authentic, an undefeated two-time stakes winner, worked six furlongs in 1:11 on Sunday at Santa Anita for a scheduled start in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on June 6.

Authentic won the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on March 7 in what was intended to be a prep for the original date of the Santa Anita Derby on April 4.

The race was postponed for two months after Santa Anita was ordered closed by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health on March 27 because of the coronavirus pandemic. The track received approval from county officials to reopen last Wednesday and resumed racing Friday.

Authentic worked March 29 and did not have another timed workout until April 27. Sunday’s workout was his fourth since late April. Trainer Bob Baffert timed Authentic going seven furlongs in 1:24.60 on Sunday.

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“He’s all caught up,” Baffert said.

Drayden Van Dyke, who has ridden Authentic in his three races, was aboard for the workout. The $400,000 Santa Anita Derby is run at 1 1/8 miles.

The Grade 2 Santa Anita Oaks was postponed from April 4 to June 6 because of the pandemic. Baffert said Sunday that he may start the unbeaten Gamine in the $200,000 Santa Anita Oaks at 1 1/16 miles. Saturday, Gamine worked a half-mile in 47.60 seconds.

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Baffert said the Grade 1 Acorn Stakes at Belmont Park is a possibility, though that track has not released a stakes schedule for its delayed spring-summer meeting, which is expected to begin in early June.

“I’m waiting to hear a date,” Baffert said.

Gamine has won two starts – a maiden special weight race by 6 1/4 lengths on March 7 at Santa Anita and an allowance race with a $100,000 claiming option at 1 1/16 miles by a neck on May 2 at Oaklawn Park.