Kentucky Derby works: California Chrome tests track
[bc_video_id:322896:]LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Another series of overnight showers created a muddy racetrack for training hours Wednesday. Although the regular Derby/Oaks training session at 8:30 a.m. attracted plenty of attention, the star of the show, Derby favorite California Chrome, went out early at 6:50. California Chrome visited the paddock and then several minutes later galloped locally for the first time.[:slideshow-right:]
Wednesday at Churchill Downs
54 degrees, cloudy, muddy
Although there were no official workouts for either Derby or Oaks runners Wednesday, several horses were given the chance to really stretch their legs after the break. Uncle Sigh, wearing blinkers, galloped five furlongs from the half-mile pole in 1:06.10 while appearing just a little rank at the wire. He was still full of run into the turn, completing a final furlong in 13.09 before finally coming to hand. He also visited the auxiliary starting gate in the mile chute, where he appeared a bit reluctant to load at first.
Intense Holiday, who like all four of trainer Todd Pletcher’s Derby starters was coming off a walk day, two-minute-licked it through the stretch, shading 30 seconds for a quarter-mile to the wire before continuing out strongly around the turn and into the backstretch. He continues to make a very favorable impression, as did stablemate Danza, who was full of himself from the instant he turned around at the wire to begin an extremely energetic and eye-catching gallop.
As for California Chrome, he certainly did not have the smoothest way of going Wednesday and looked a little uncomfortable galloping an easy 1 1/2 miles over the wet track. Without having seen him train before, I have no frame of reference to know whether this is his normal way of traveling or if perhaps the muddy footing was in part responsible for how he galloped. He will be observed closely to see if he stretches out better over dry ground during the next few days.
Hoppertunity merely jogged alongside the pony Wednesday, 48 hours removed from a nice work in the slop Monday, and was definitely not moving as fluidly as usual. He, too, will have to be monitored closely over the next couple of mornings.
Dance With Fate, who like California Chrome arrived here Monday, is a very handsome-looking colt and was full of energy when given his first opportunity to stretch his legs and gallop over the Churchill surface Wednesday.
Wicked Strong was a little more focused and relaxed Wednesday than he was the previous day and was really pulling his rider the second time around. Medal Count also had another very good morning, while Candy Boy was not as visually appealing as on Tuesday. Harry’s Holiday had his best day since working over the weekend and did not get hot as he had the past couple of days.