Gormley, Royal Mo put in stamina-building workouts for Kentucky Derby

ARCADIA, Calif. – Gormley, the winner of the Santa Anita Derby on April 8, worked seven furlongs in 1:26.20 at Santa Anita on Saturday in his final major preparation for the Kentucky Derby next weekend.

Later in the morning, Royal Mo, third in the Santa Anita Derby, worked six furlongs in 1:13. His next race was not clear as of Saturday but could be the Kentucky Derby.

While Gormley is assured of a berth through the Kentucky Derby qualifying points system, Royal Mo was not guaranteed a berth as of Saturday morning, but one more defection from the 20 horses currently in the main body of the field would allow him to start.

John Shirreffs trains Gormley and Royal Mo for Jerry and Ann Moss and moved forward on Saturday as if both colts will be starters in the Kentucky Derby. The Mosses and Shirreffs won the 2005 Kentucky Derby with Giacomo.

Shirreffs is biased, of course, but is eager to start Royal Mo, who he says “very much” deserves a chance in the Kentucky Derby at 1 1/4 miles next Saturday.

“He was third in the Santa Anita Derby,” Shirreffs said. “He broke from the 13 hole and got bumped at the end.”

On Saturday, exercise rider Francisco Alvarado worked Gormley and Royal Mo while jockey Victor Espinoza rode the stablemates that served as targets. Espinoza is booked to ride Gormley. Gary Stevens will ride Royal Mo if a spot opens up.

Gormley worked with Ziconic, a maiden who is out of Zenyatta, the 2010 Horse of the Year. Gormley began about three lengths behind Ziconic and closed on the inside in the stretch to finish in front.

“He just zoomed by me,” Espinoza said.

Ziconic was timed in 1:27.40 for seven furlongs.

Shirreffs designed the work so Gormley would close on the rail, the same tactics used in a workout on April 22. Shirreffs said he did so in the event that Gormley needs to rally on the inside in the crowded Kentucky Derby field.

“He’s getting dirt in his face and coming up the inside,” Shirreffs said. “He’s doing very well.”

Royal Mo began a length behind Shazara and was even with the stablemate in early stretch.

“He’s a horse that likes to match his stride, and I think that’s the best way to breeze him,” Shirreffs said. “He’s got a big stride.”

Shirreffs said Gormley and Royal Mo are scheduled to be flown to Kentucky Derby early Monday.