Vekoma training for Kentucky Derby in Florida
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Blue Grass Stakes winner Vekoma returned Tuesday to his winter base, the Palm Beach Downs training center in Florida, where the speedy chestnut will do the bulk of his training toward the May 4 Kentucky Derby.
Trainer George Weaver said Wednesday from Palm Beach that Vekoma will have his pre-Derby work in Florida before returning north.
“That’s what won us the Blue Grass, and we’re sticking with what worked,” he said.
Vekoma was scheduled to return to light training Thursday.
Also remaining at Palm Beach during the same time frame are Cutting Humor and Spinoff, the two Derby prospects trained by Todd Pletcher, Weaver’s former boss.
Meanwhile, Somelikeithotbrown has been eliminated from Derby consideration by trainer Mike Maker after exiting the Blue Grass with a chip in a hind ankle. Winner of the Grade 3 Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park in March, the New York-bred champion colt led Vekoma through the first six furlongs of the Blue Grass before fading to fourth.