With just 10 days until the May 4 Kentucky Derby (G1), most contenders completed routine gallops April 24 as they gear up for their final published workouts this weekend. The day also saw Eric and Sharon Waller's homebred Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner Stronghold make his first trip to the Churchill Downs oval since arriving the previous afternoon.
With trainer Phil D'Amato's wife, Sherri, aboard, the son of Ghostzapper jogged about a mile around the outside rail. The team was pleased with how he shipped and took to the track Wednesday. Stronghold has had success at Churchill Downs before, having broken his maiden there Oct. 1.
Should the weather remain the way it is currently forecast, Stronghold will breeze April 27 with Joe Talamo in the saddle. Antonio Fresu, who rode the colt in his Santa Anita Derby victory, will have the mount again in the Derby.
Tami Bobo, Julie Davies, and George Isaacs' Florida Derby (G1) runner-up Catalytic had his first gallop over the track Wednesday after jogging a mile during his first day onsite April 23.
"He just galloped a mile and a half," said trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.'s assistant Tristan Ford. "We're happy with everything. He's feeling good."
Gargan Feeling Lucky to Have Dettori
In the span of nearly three weeks, Wood Memorial Stakes (G2) runner-up Society Man has gone from an overlooked 106-1 longshot to having one of the world's most recognizable riders scheduled to take a seat on his back.
Trainer Danny Gargan confirmed April 23 that international superstar jockey Frankie Dettori will take the mount, his first ride in the Derby since finishing sixth aboard China Visit in 2000.
"It's a race that Frankie has wanted to win and we feel honored that we could get him to ride our horse," Gargan said outside of his barn Tuesday. "I think he's probably one of the top riders to ever ride. He's a great guy to hang out with, brings a lot of charisma and a lot of character. It's going to be fun to have him in the Derby."
Gargan said he contacted agent Ron Anderson after the Wood Memorial to express interest in Dettori riding should he be available.
"We got lucky and we ended up getting him," Gargan said.
Like he did April 20, Gargan plans to breeze Society Man Saturday in company with Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) winner Dornoch. This time, Dornoch will be the horse to take the inside position.
"We're planning on working them both on Saturday, a half-mile out in five-eighths, just like last week," Gargan said. "Both of them ran a mile and an eighth last time. They're fit, at this stage we just want to keep them healthy and happy and get them over there."
Gargan plans to keep his assistant trainer and exercise rider Priscilla Schaefer aboard Society Man for the work, but would consider having Dettori aboard if he's onsite and wants to do it.
"(Frankie's) got a lot going on," Gargan said. "All year long, our riders breeze our horses. If he's here and wants to breeze him, we'll address that situation but we'll have to see where he's at."
Derby Notes From the Downs
- Brad Cox's Derby trio of Catching Freedom, Encino, and Just a Touch and Kentucky Oaks (G1) duo of Tarifa and Gin Gin all schooled in the starting gate before galloping a mile and a half. The Oaks fillies schooled in the paddock after training hours ended at 10 a.m.
- Grand Mo the First, who worked six furlongs in 1:16.46 at Gulfstream Park April 23, came out of the work in good order and is expected to arrive April 25. He will likely make his first trip to the track Saturday as Friday is a scheduled walk day.
- Trainer Larry Demeritte was at Churchill Downs Wednesday afternoon preparing West Saratoga's stall ahead of his Friday afternoon arrival.
- Trainer Jeff Engler reported Blue Grass Stakes (G1) fifth-place finisher Mugatu is back in consideration for the Derby. The Belterra Park-based colt has 14 qualifying points. With a maximum of 24 entries allowed, it is possible he could take an also-eligible spot should other horses on the bubble choose not to enter April 27.
- Trainer Whit Beckman plans to breeze Honor Marie Thursday with jockey Ben Curtis in the saddle. Also breezing Thursday are Oaks contenders Leslie's Rose, Candied, and Tapit Jenallie.
