Lone Sailor drills for Kentucky Derby

Lone Sailor had his first breeze since finishing second in the Louisiana Derby when he went a half-mile in 47.80 seconds before dawn Wednesday over a fast Churchill Downs track. James Graham, who has the mount for the Kentucky Derby, was aboard.

“He’s always been a very good work horse,” said Tom Amoss, who trains Lone Sailor for GMB Racing. “He was in hand and showed good extension of stride and all the things you’re looking for in an important work like this.”

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Amoss said Lone Sailor will have his most serious pre-Derby work toward the end of next week, when he will start off behind two other horses to mimic “the style that we’re trying to race him in.”

“After that, he’ll have one more solo work before the Derby,” Amoss said.

Lone Sailor blew past rivals to make the lead turning for home in the Louisiana Derby, only to give way late when defeated a neck by Noble Indy.

Moments after Lone Sailor returned to the barn on Wednesday, Graham climbed aboard Chocolate Martini for Amoss for a half-mile breeze in 47.40 seconds. The Broken Vow filly won the Grade 2 Fair Grounds Oaks in her last start.