This time, Authentic's work for Kentucky Derby goes off without a hitch
DEL MAR, Calif. – Take two.
One day after Authentic had to have a work aborted through no fault of his own, he motored around Del Mar’s track early Tuesday morning in a demanding drill designed to have him on edge for the Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5 at Churchill Downs.
Authentic was given an official time of 1:38.60 for one mile under exercise rider Juan Ochoa, and he continued a bit farther on the gallop-out.
Working alone, Authentic broke away from the pony prior to the 5 1/2-furlong pole and was rolling by the time he reached the five-furlong pole, from which trainer Bob Baffert started clocking him. He passed the finish line in 1:00 for five furlongs, then continued on out to the seven-furlong pole in 1:12 on Baffert’s watch.
“Keep going,” he said via radio to Ochoa.
Authentic polished off seven furlongs in 1:24.60 on Baffert’s watch.
“Beautiful. Give him a good gallop-out,” Baffert instructed Ochoa.
“He went nice, very nice,” Baffert said after Authentic was brought to a stop and began to head back to the barn.
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Authentic is coming off a victory in the Haskell, his fourth win in five starts. His only loss came in the Santa Anita Derby, when he finished second to Honor A. P.
But even though Honor A. P., the likely second or third choice in the Kentucky Derby, is the only horse who has ever finished in front of Authentic, it appears Authentic will be double digits in the wagering for the Derby owing to concerns that the Derby’s 1 1/4 miles might prove challenging.
“He’s the forgotten horse,” Baffert said.
Authentic is scheduled to have one more work here, on Sunday, before flying to Kentucky on Monday.