McCraken will breeze twice more before Kentucky Derby

McCraken, one of the favorites for the 143rd Kentucky Derby, will have two more breezes prior to the May 6 race after putting in a nice bit of work Tuesday over a fast Churchill track.

With regular rider Brian Hernandez Jr. aboard, McCraken was timed in 47.80 seconds by Churchill clocker John Nichols, with gallop-out times of 1:00 and 1:13.40.

“He’s right back here at home at Churchill, where he likes it, so we’re excited for him,” said Hernandez.

Trainer Ian Wilkes said McCraken likely will have his most serious pre-Derby work Monday or Tuesday, with an easier blowout subsequent to that.

Starting Saturday, Churchill will begin restricting its racetrack for about 15 minutes every morning to horses being pointed to the Derby and Kentucky Oaks. The reserved period follows the regularly scheduled harrow break and goes from about 8:30 to 8:45 a.m.