Hansen returns to work tab with easy half-mile breeze

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Juvenile champion Hansen breezed an easy half-mile in 50.40 seconds at Churchill Downs Trackside on Sunday in preparation for the Grade 1 Wood Memorial on April 7 at Aqueduct. The work marked his first breeze since taking the March. 3 Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct.

With exercise rider Joel Barrientos aboard, Hansen breezed comfortably while never being asked for speed over a fast but drying-out racetrack. He went evenly, with Daily Racing Form timing him galloping out five furlongs in 1:06.20.

Trainer Mike Maker said before the work that he was looking for a slow half-mile. He said he was pleased with Hansen’s breeze and would aim to work Hansen twice more before the Wood.

“If everything goes well, he’ll either work back [next] Saturday or Sunday and then the following Saturday or Sunday,” he said.

Other leading Kentucky Derby prospects reportedly under consideration for the Wood include My Adonis, Alpha, and Our Entourage.