Derby clocker: Preparations nearly finished for Derby horses

CHURCHILL DOWNS Weather: Cloudy

Track: Fast

Temp.: 50

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Time is running out to form those all-important final impressions about this year’s Kentucky Derby field. Each of the 20 horses in the main body of the field was on the track to train Wednesday at Churchill Downs, with the majority of the action taking place, as usual, during the special Oaks-Derby session immediately following the renovation break.

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The weather was unseasonably cold when the track opened at 5:45 a.m., with the temperature dipping another several degrees as the morning progressed. And the forecast called for conditions to really deteriorate over the next 72 hours, with rain predicted to begin Thursday and continue right into Derby Day.

ALWAYS DREAMING, as usual, was the first Derby horse to be sighted Wednesday and was a handful for exercise rider Nick Bush from the beginning. After some anxious moments at the outset, Bush got the Florida Derby winner to settle enough to gallop 1 1/2 miles.

He proved difficult to finally pull up on the turn while leaving the impression that he could be ready to explode at any moment once those draw reins come off. Perhaps the most talented member of this lineup, he’ll require close scrutiny both in the paddock and post parade to see if he’s able to contain all that pent-up energy on Derby Day.

GIRVIN made his first local appearance Wednesday, galloping a mile under former jockey Rosie Napravnik, his stride becoming less fluid as he progressed through the stretch and around the clubhouse turn before pulling up quickly once passing the six-furlong pole. Trainer Joe Sharp has been fighting foot issues with the Louisiana Derby winner.

TAPWRIT was arguably the star of the 17 Derby entrants who trained after the break. He continues to flourish coming out of his recent work, with Wednesday perhaps his best morning yet. He galloped strongly but with controlled energy and a long, efficient stride.

IRAP became a bit anxious during a schooling session in the starting gate but looked very sharp once finally turned loose to gallop and allowed to really lengthen his stride leaving the backstretch, a training maneuver that is pretty standard stuff for two-time Derby winner Doug O’Neill. The Blue Grass winner, Irap completed four furlongs from the three-eighths pole while kept out in the middle of the track in 53.40.

IRISH WAR CRY was full of energy again, although clearly more subdued than the previous morning, when he was a bit rank his first time over this track. He continues to get thumbs up all around for his appearance since arriving from Fair Hill on Monday.

MCCRAKEN may not be as imposing as some of the others in the field, but he seems to be thriving at the right time over his home track, galloping willingly and with ears pricked once again Wednesday.

PRACTICAL JOKE continues to make a favorable impression as well, although he seemed just a bit more aggressive than he had been, perhaps due to the cooler weather.

THUNDER SNOW is an imposing sort and had another good day following his long journey from Dubai, putting in a strong gallop while remaining on his left lead the entire length of the stretch. He has the high knee action of a horse who may be better suited to turf, although he captured both of his main-track starts and owns a win over a wet surface, which could prove valuable experience considering all the rain in the forecast.

GORMLEY showed a lot more energy than he had the previous morning, pulling his rider for nearly two miles while looking more impressive than his John Shirreffs-trained stablemate ROYAL MO, who is on the also-eligible list for the Derby. Like Thunder Snow, Gormley has a turfy way of going.

HENCE has a tendency to get warm when he trains, but it was surprising to see him get hot again Wednesday considering the brisk conditions. It’s hard to say if it’s any cause for concern in light of how he’s flourished in every other manner these past few weeks.

GUNNEVERA was allowed to open his gallop a bit more than usual Wednesday by trainer Antonio Sano, although in an unconventional fashion. He dropped to the rail and blew out around the clubhouse turn and down the backstretch, completing his final furlong from the six-furlong pole to the five-furlong pole in 13.

As for the leading Oaks candidates, PARADISE WOODS had another great morning, galloping at nearly a two-minute clip much of the way while relaxed and with her ears pricked. MISS SKY WARRIOR also continues to flourish for trainer Kelly Breen, galloping with terrific energy while going at better than a two-minute lick for a good part of her session again Wednesday.