Kentucky Derby: Derma Sotogake works solo this time

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Derma Sotogake, the UAE Derby winner, and Sun Thunder, the Risen Star Stakes runner-up, put in workouts Tuesday morning as major preparations for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs begin to wind down.

Derma Sotogake, breaking from the three-furlong pole, went a half-mile in 49.87 seconds, getting his final three furlongs in 36.18, according to Daily Racing Form clocker Mike Welsch. Derma Sotogake went by himself, compared to last week when he went five furlongs in company with fellow Japan-based Derby starter Continuar.

“Because last time he went pretty hard, this time it wasn’t necessary to have that extra push working in company,” Masanari Tanaka, assistant to trainer Hidetaka Otanashi, said through an interpreter. “The horse seems to know the race is getting closer based on his behavior. Physically and mentally, he seems to be prepared for the race coming up.”

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Though not evident much Tuesday, Derma Sotogake has thrown his head about frequently during his morning training sessions, which often see him on the track for close to one hour.

“That’s just him,” Tanaka said. “Whenever you’re trying to hold him back or rate him at any given point in the morning training, it’s a very exhausting ride. He pulls you and pulls you. But when he’s going fast, he runs in a straight line.”

Derma Sotogake was a front-running winner of the UAE Derby under Christophe Lemaire, who will ride him in the Derby. Derma Sotogake drew post 17 for this race.

“We’re kind of happy with it because he broke really well from the gate when we practiced from it early in the week, so if he goes that way in the race, he’ll be able to break and stay out of trouble and get a good position on the outside,” Tanaka said.

Continuar did not work Tuesday, with his connections believing his fitness-level is fine enough for the race.

Mandarin Hero, the Santa Anita Derby runner-up who is stuck two deep on the also-eligible list, was credited with a five-furlong workout in 1:05.60. If he doesn’t draw into the Derby, it is expected Mandarin Hero will run in the Preakness at Pimlico on May 20.

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Sun Thunder, who figures to be a Derby longshot, went a half-mile in 47.76 seconds Tuesday morning. He was equipped with the blinkers that he will wear in a race for the first time in the Derby.

“I think they’ve definitely sharpened him,” McPeek said of the blinkers. “He needs it. He’s been a little dawdling early in the races. He’s found himself too far back with too much to do.”

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