Renegade Has Penultimate Derby Work at Palm Beach Downs

Presumptive Kentucky Derby (G1) favorite Renegade had his penultimate work before the first Saturday in May April 16 at Palm Beach Downs. The Into Mischief colt covered 4 furlongs in :48.87, according to Equibase. "I thought he worked very well," trainer Todd Pletcher told Daily Racing Form of Renegade's effort. "He's a steady workhorse, not one who usually works the bullet. He did it nicely today. He looked good, galloped out with good energy, which is part of our program—emphasizing the gallop out." Pletcher told DRF that after Renegade won the Arkansas Derby (G1), he debated whether to work the colt two or three times once back at his Florida base. Ultimately, Pletcher was "comfortable" with Renegade's fitness level and decided to conduct two works in advance of the May 2 Run for the Roses. The current plan is for Renegade's final work to take place at Palm Beach Downs rather than in the intense Churchill Downs environment Derby week. "I'm watching the forecast all the time, both locally and in Louisville. But for now, the plan is to breeze here Thursday, ship Friday, and arrive at Churchill Downs very early, around 4 a.m. on Saturday," Pletcher told DRF. All Derby horses must be at Churchill by 11 a.m. ET April 25. Renegade, owned by Repole Stable and Robert and Lawana Low, is 2-for-2 this year and 2-2-1 lifetime with $1,031,500 in total earnings.