Kentucky Derby: Stronghold 'full of energy' in final local work

ARCADIA, Calif. – Santa Anita Derby winner Stronghold worked a half-mile in a quick 46.60 seconds on Saturday in advance of a flight to Kentucky on Tuesday for an intended start in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 4.

Working behind stablemate Shady Tiger, a stakes winner against California-bred sprinters on April 6, Stronghold closed through the stretch to finish slightly in front. Antonio Fresu, who has ridden Stronghold in his last four starts, was aboard for the workout, the colt’s first since the win in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby at 1 1/8 miles on April 6.

“He was full of energy, and kind of doing it easy,” trainer Phil D’Amato said.

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“I gave him a little target to keep him interested. Antonio said all he was doing was sitting there and taking dirt in his face. He angled him out and his feet were in the dashboard.

“It was steady, even. Next stop is Churchill Downs.”

Saturday’s workout time was the fastest of the day from 68 works. The Chosen Vron, a Grade 1 stakes-winning sprinter in 2023, also worked a half-mile in 46.60 seconds.

Despite winning California’s leading prep to the Kentucky Derby in the Santa Anita, Derby, Stronghold is not expected to be among the favorites in the Kentucky Derby, run at 1 1/4 miles.

Owned and bred by Rick and Sharon Waller, Stronghold has won 3 of 6 starts and earned $827,200. Stronghold is unbeaten in two starts this year, beginning with a win in the Grade 3 Sunland Park Derby in New Mexico on Feb. 18.

“He’s really turned into a consummate professional at the right time,” D’Amato said. “You like to see that maturity and I’ve seen it.”

D’Amato said Stronghold is scheduled to be flown to Kentucky on Tuesday, and will have a workout there next weekend.

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