Derby Clocker: Justify looks the part of favorite
CHURCHILL DOWNS
Wednesday, May 2
Weather: Sunny
Track: Fast
Temp.: 68
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Apparently, Justify and the rest of the California contingent brought the warmer weather with them when they arrived here this week. At least it seemed that way after the frigid temperatures that greeted horses and horsemen alike during training hours for more than a week gave way to much balmier conditions at Churchill Downs on Wednesday.
Justify and Bolt d’Oro were again the center of attention during the Derby-Oaks training session when they entered the track at 7:30 a.m., and while both followed a similar game plan Wednesday morning, there was little doubt who was the star of the show.
Justify went immediately from the gap to the starting gate, where he schooled for several minutes before embarking on a picture-perfect 1 1/2-mile gallop, showing a high but restrained energy level while appearing ready to explode at any moment. Those hoping to find a chink in the favorite’s armor certainly would have been hard pressed to do so this morning.
:: Get both the Kentucky Derby and Oaks Clocker Reports for just $19.95!
Bolt d’Oro also paid a short visit to the gate but was not nearly as smooth or efficient during his 1 1/2-mile gallop, bobbling slightly while switching leads the second time past the finish line before reaching out somewhat better the farther he went. From all reports, this seems to be typical for him.
Solomini, like his stablemate Justify, gate schooled, then lived up to his somewhat screwball reputation, tossing his head numerous times during a more abbreviated gallop of about one mile.
While Justify earned Star of the Day honors, Hofburg was not far behind, showing the same high energy level he’s had on display here for more than a week. Flameaway drafted in behind Hofburg while galloping at a strong clip, as usual, coming down the stretch before angling inside and running past the Florida Derby runner-up entering the clubhouse turn.
Vino Rosso was the first of the Todd Pletcher quartet to begin Wednesday, and was noticeably more subdued than in previous days. Noble Indy galloped with blinkers on for the first time since arriving here (he did work in blinkers last Friday), with the equipment change due strictly to his scheduled gate-schooling session, according to Pletcher.
Firenze Fire was clearly more reserved during his second day on the track after getting pretty rank for much of his gallop Tuesday. Good Magic settled into a nice, relaxed rhythm once hitting the backstretch after breaking off full of energy on the front side.
My Boy Jack was the least active of the Derby contenders on Wednesday, merely jogging once around while getting a little warm in the coat again.
Instilled Regard, the fourth of the California invaders who arrived Monday, was asked to pick up the pace on Day 2 and, like Bolt d’Oro, seemed to take a little time before stretching out into a smooth stride.
For a second straight morning, trainer Kiaran McLaughlin sent Enticed out at 9:15 for a routine gallop, while Mendelssohn walked under tack at the quarantine barn and was scheduled to visit the track for the first time Thursday.
Among the Oaks gallopers, Monomoy Girl caught the eye with a strong- and efficient-looking session. She was one of three Brad Cox trainees in the race who had a good morning, along with Sassy Sienna and Kelly’s Humor.
Rayya, unlike her two Derby-bound stablemates Justify and Solomini, came out equipped in bell boots and did little more jog once around the one-mile oval after having galloped a strong 1 1/4 miles Tuesday.
