Kentucky Derby: Itsmyluckyday breezes at Calder

MIAMI - Itsmyluckyday, one of the leading contenders for this year’s Kentucky Derby, breezed an easy half-mile in 48.22 seconds at Calder on Thursday morning. The work was his first since finishing second behind Orb as the favorite in the Grade 1 Florida Derby 12 days earlier.

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With regular rider Elvis Trujillo aboard, Itsmyluckyday completed his opening quarter in 23.48 and was going easily at the wire. He galloped out five-eighths in 1:01.16 while finishing into a moderate headwind shortly after the renovation break.

“It was a maintenance work,” said trainer Eddie Plesa Jr. “He worked exactly like we thought he would and wanted him to. I told Elvis to go in 48, so that was pretty close. He came out of the work 100 percent, kicking down the barn, feeling good.”

Thursday’s work is one of three breezes Plesa has scheduled for Itsmyluckyday prior to vanning him to Churchill Downs on Friday, April 26. Itsmyluckyday is fifth in the points standings for the Kentucky Derby and thus virtually assured of a spot in the field.

“I’m kind of undecided about what we’ll do with him in his next two works,” said Plesa. “Could I throw another easy mile into him? I could. I just have to get a feeling when it comes time. He’ll breeze each of the next two Thursdays, ship Friday, and I might blow him out after he’s galloped a few mornings at Churchill.”