Zandon, Kathleen O., breeze for Kentucky Derby, Oaks

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Zandon and Kathleen O., who will be among the favorites in the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, respectively, turned in their penultimate breezes toward the spring classics Saturday morning at Keeneland.

Zandon, winner of the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland on April 9, stepped onto the track with exercise rider Kriss Bon in the irons just after 9 a.m., following the second renovation break on the fast main track. Working on his own, the colt breezed a half-mile in 48 3/5 seconds. He galloped out five furlongs in 1:00 4/5.

“He was just moving super, what we were looking to see,” trainer Chad Brown said. “I wanted to stretch his legs, evaluate how he’s moving, and maintain where he’s at. I was really impressed with how he galloped out, really reaching and happy, with his ears up.”

Zandon will van to Churchill Downs tomorrow and is expected to have his final breeze next Saturday, weather pending.

Earlier in the morning, unbeaten Gulfstream Oaks winner Kathleen O. worked a half in 48 4/5 seconds. The filly worked solo after the first morning harrow break, with regular exercise rider David Jego aboard.

“Picked it up [in the stretch], galloped out strong,” said trainer Shug McGaughey’s assistant Anthony Hamilton Jr., who supervised the work. “We’re in good shape. She’s a classy, feel-good filly. She’s a happy horse right now.”

Hamilton said Kathleen O. will van to Churchill Downs on Monday or Tuesday to commence final Oaks preparations.