Forbidden Kingdom works, back on schedule for Santa Anita Derby

Forbidden Kingdom, unbeaten in two graded stakes this year, was pronounced on schedule for the Grade 1 Runhappy Santa Anita Derby on April 9 on Friday, a day after working six furlongs in 1:14 at Santa Anita.

The workout was the first for Forbidden Kingdom since a win in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes at 1 1/16 miles at Santa Anita on March 5. Forbidden Kingdom missed a workout last week because of an elevated temperature.

“I think I’m in good shape,” trainer Richard Mandella said. “I don’t think I lost anything.”

Forbidden Kingdom worked in company with a stablemate and closed from behind on the inside to finish clear of his rival. In his win in the Grade 2 San Vicente Stakes at seven furlongs on Jan. 29 and in the San Felipe, Forbidden Kingdom led throughout.

Mandella said there are no plans for a change in race tactics in the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby at 1 1/8 miles, but such a situation could arise in the future.

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“We schooled him back and he came through,” Mandella said. “We’re continuing to try to educate him. Someday, he’ll need it.”

Owned by the MyRacehorse syndicate and Spendthrift Farm, Forbidden Kingdom is rated among the leading Triple Crown contenders on the basis of his two recent stakes wins. By American Pharoah, Forbidden Kingdom has won 3 of 5 starts and earned $434,000.