Kentucky Derby 2012: First day on track for Gemologist, El Padrino, Take Charge Indy

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Gemologist, El Padrino, and Take Charge Indy were on the track for the first time Wednesday, one day after arriving from south Florida.

Gemologist made quite the striking presence galloping 1 1/4 miles, while El Padrino went the same distance though somewhat less enthusiastically.

“Both Derby horses got over the ground really well,” trainer Todd Pletcher said. “Gemologist looked like he was loving it out there. Padrino is not the most enthusiastic galloper of all time, but I thought he showed good energy.”

Meanwhile, trainer Patrick Byrne had jockey Calvin Borel climb aboard Take Charge Indy for a 1 5/8-mile gallop.

“Calvin hadn’t been on him since the Florida Derby,” Byrne said. “He said he’d love to get on him, he just got bonded with the horse again.”
Byrne said Borel would get on Take Chare Indy each morning in the days leading up to the Derby.

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