There are not many trainers who have their first Kentucky Derby starter from three decades ago stabled just a few steps from their main residence. But that’s the case for Donnie Von Hemel and Clever Trevor, a 30-year-old millionaire who lives on the trainer’s farm in Piedmont, Okla.
“He’s still living at home,” quipped Von Hemel.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The globetrotting Lani, who enters the Kentucky Derby off a victory in the Group 2 United Arab Emirates Derby, will become just the second Japanese-based horse to start in the run for the roses. The first was Ski Captain, who finished 14th in the 1995 edition behind Thunder Gulch. In the irons that day was Yutaka Take, who has been aboard Lani in five of his six starts and will ride him in the Derby.
There are many paths to the Kentucky Derby. For students of bloodstock, some conjure déjà vu – while others are sweetly ironic.
Nyquist followed in young stallion Uncle Mo’s hoofprints by becoming an unbeaten juvenile champion.
Meanwhile, Outwork diverged from his sire’s path to avenge one of the stallion’s biggest career disappointments.
The richest of the races on the list assembled by Churchill Downs that award Kentucky Derby qualifying points is run about 7,400 miles from the twin spires, and some would argue that the winner of the $2 million United Arab Emirates Derby, despite being assured entry into the Kentucky Derby by earning 100 points, is not necessarily qualified.
CHURCHILL DOWNS
Weather: Clear
Track: Muddy
Temperature: 64
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - For many years, Sunday seemed to be the work day of choice for the majority of Kentucky Derby contenders. Not so this year.
While the weather had a hand in keeping activity to a minimum on Sunday morning, most of the 2016 Derby group had already been penciled in to have their final preps either Friday or Saturday, even before rain became an issue over the past several days.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Jockey Emisael Jaramillo has come a long ways in a short time. The all-time leading rider in Venezuela came to this country for the first time last fall, was among the leading riders at Gulfstream Park last winter, and now has picked up both his first Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks mounts.
CHURCHILL DOWNS
Weather: Cloudy/Showery
Track: Fast
Temp. 58
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Exaggerator and Brody’s Cause beat the rain, albeit just barely, turning in their final Kentucky Derby works over a fast track just as a light shower began to fall during the special Derby/Oaks training session shortly after 8:30 a.m. on Saturday at Churchill Downs.
Going a little quicker than expected, Danzing Candy worked five furlongs in 59.80 seconds at the San Luis Rey Downs training Center in Bonsall, Calif., on Saturday, the colt’s final major exercise before the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 7.
Trainer Clifford Sise said he expected a workout time closer to 1:01, but Danzing Candy showed enthusiasm. Danzing Candy galloped out six furlongs in 1:12.60, Sise said.
“He’s as good as he can be,” Sise said. “He’s probably doing better than he’s ever done.”
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Exaggerator, the Santa Anita Derby winner, on Saturday at Churchill Downs turned in his final work for the Kentucky Derby seven days hence, one of five potential Derby runners who worked at two different locales.
Exaggerator and Brody’s Cause, the Blue Grass Stakes winner, worked at Churchill Downs, as did Dazzling Gem and Cherry Wine, both of whom currently have insufficient points to make the 20-horse Derby field.
