Classic Causeway moves to McPeek's barn

Classic Causeway, winner of the Sam F. Davis and Tampa Bay Derby this winter, was transferred into the Churchill barn of trainer Kenny McPeek on Tuesday.

Classic Causeway, owned by Patrick O’Keefe and Clarke Cooper, was trained by Brian Lynch for all seven of his starts. The Giant’s Causeway colt was last of 11 in the Florida Derby and 11th of 20 in the Kentucky Derby in his last two races.

McPeek said early Wednesday that he had no prior relationship with the owners and that getting Classic Causeway into his barn came as a surprise.

Lynch had been reluctant to run Classic Causeway in the Kentucky Derby off the colt’s poor effort in the Florida Derby but did so mostly at the owners’ behest.

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“You’re always sorry to see a horse of his caliber leave the barn,” said Lynch. “I wish him and the connections nothing but the best.”

Classic Causeway adds to the stockpile of accomplished 3-year-olds now in the McPeek stable, along with Creative Minister, Smile Happy, Rattle N Roll, Tiz the Bomb, and Dash Attack.

Mandaloun on a steady beat

Mandaloun, the 2021 Kentucky Derby winner via disqualification, continued on a steady work pattern for trainer Brad Cox when breezing a half-mile Monday at Churchill in 47.60 seconds. It was the third work this month for Mandaloun, who got a short break after finishing far back in the Feb. 26 Saudi Cup in his most recent start. The 4-year-old Juddmonte Farms homebred is being pointed to the Grade 1 Stephen Foster here July 2.

Meanwhile, Set Piece, another Juddmonte standout trained by Cox, will make his next start on the same July 2 card in the Grade 2 Wise Dan. Set Piece got a 101 Beyer Speed Figure in winning the Grade 2 Dinner Party on the Preakness undercard at Pimlico.