Take Charge Brandi progressing; Untapable works

Two trainers of Kentucky Derby hopefuls took a timeout from talking about the classic to offer brief updates on how the champion fillies under their care are doing.

D. Wayne Lukas, who saddles longshot Mr. Z in the Derby, had hoped to have one of the favorites for the Kentucky Oaks in Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies winner Take Charge Brandi. However, in March, the filly was diagnosed with a non-displaced bone chip in her right knee. She underwent a minor procedure to place a pin in the knee and will soon rejoin the Lukas barn at Churchill Downs to resume light training, with an eye toward a summer and fall campaign.

“She’s walking now,” Lukas said. “She gets back to the track supposedly May 15. She’s doing great. That was very minor. Ironically, I was wanting to be in the Oaks real badly.”

Meanwhile, Steve Asmussen, whose Bold Conquest is on the outside looking in at the Derby field, said Kentucky Oaks and Breeders’ Cup Distaff winner Untapable remains in good order following her victory in the Apple Blossom Handicap on April 10, returning to the work tab Monday at Churchill Downs.

“Beautiful. She’s doing really well,” Asmussen said prior to the filly's work.

Untapable breezed five furlongs in a slow 1:04.17, according to Daily Racing Form clocker Mike Welsch, starting with splits of 24.85 and 36.98 seconds before completing her final quarter-mile in 27.19.

"First work back," Asmussen said. "[We’re just] getting back to it."

Asmussen has not yet committed to a next target for Untapable.