Santa Anita: Bayern gets gate work for Arkansas Derby

ARCADIA, Calif. - The undefeated Bayern had his final workout before next Saturday’s $1 million Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park at Santa Anita on Sunday, working seven furlongs from the gate in 1:23.80.

Ridden by Gary Stevens, Bayern was exercised in company, starting at the six-furlong pole, and working past the wire to the seven-eighths pole, at the start of the clubhouse turn.

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Bayern, one of trainer Bob Baffert’s best hopes for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 3, will make his stakes debut in the Arkansas Derby over 1 1/8 miles.

“The only reason I do a gate work is to sharpen him up a bit,” Baffert said. “I wanted to do a little catch-up.”

Owned by Kaleem Shah, Bayern was entered for the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes on March 8, but was scratched because of a bruised foot. The San Felipe Stakes was won by California Chrome, who returned to win Saturday’s Santa Anita Derby.

Bayern has won twice – a maiden race and an allowance race. Stevens has been aboard for both races.

“He’s so push-button,” Stevens said after Sunday’s workout. “He’s pretty fun.”