Hernandez gets aboard Skinner for first time in six-furlong Derby drill

ARCADIA, Calif. – Skinner runs and trains like a colt who will relish the 1 1/4-mile distance of the Kentucky Derby, and he finished his six-furlong solo workout Saturday at Santa Anita like a colt who will deliver the best race of his career next weekend at Churchill Downs.

New rider Juan Hernandez was on Skinner for the first time Saturday; the Santa Anita Derby third-place finisher was the first horse to work after the 6:30 a.m. break.

While owners Lee and Susan Searing and trainer John Shirreffs watched from the grandstand, Skinner broke off by himself and gradually picked up speed. Shirreffs timed his splits in 13.20, 12.80, 12:40, 12.00, 12:40 and a final furlong in 11:40. Clockers gave Skinner a six-furlong time of 1:14, which was one-fifth quicker than Shirreffs'.

“That was perfect,” Shirreffs said. “The finish was great; the gallop-out was super. We have the horse’s mind on finishing.”

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Hernandez, the top rider on the Southern California circuit, will be riding in his first Kentucky Derby. The workout Saturday was the first time he had been on Skinner.

“He started off nice and easy, and from the three-eighths to the wire, he finished really strong,” Hernandez said. “He galloped out really good. I was trying to stop him, and he didn’t want to stop. He wanted to keep going.”

The work was the third drill for Skinner following his wide-trip third in the Santa Anita Derby on April 8. Hernandez replaces regular rider Victor Espinoza. Shirreffs and Hernandez discussed the Derby and Skinner’s idiosyncrasies on Saturday morning before the workout.

“You’re in there with 20 horses, but just think you’re in there by yourself and ride your race,” Shirreffs said to Hernandez. “Just try to ride your race, and remember that somewhere you have to save ground.”

Skinner rallied wide in the Santa Anita Derby, missing by a half-length while covering more ground than winner Practical Move and runner-up Mandarin Hero. The third-place finish by Skinner was an improved effort over his maiden win in February and third-place finish in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes in March.

Skinner will depart Santa Anita early Sunday, and arrive at Churchill Downs on Sunday evening. Shirreffs also travels on Sunday, and will be at Churchill when Skinner arrives.

Lee and Susan Searing will have about 15 guests at the Derby including longtime friend and business associate Don Skinner, the retired salesman for whom the colt was named. Skinner is the third Derby starter for the Searings, who race as CRK Stable. Their first Derby starter, Candy Boy in 2014, finished 13th; Honor A.P. finished fourth in 2020.

Shirreffs is seeking his second Kentucky Derby victory. He won the 2005 Derby with 50.30-1 Giacomo. His next four Derby starters finished unplaced: A.P. Warrior in 2006, Tiago in 2007, Gormley in 2017 and Honor A.P.

Skinner has won one race and $216,300 from six starts, and earned $216,300.

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