Derby training and workout reports

[Calzone Lord]

Looking at training reports from those who've done work reports on these horses before prep races ... here are some of the positive and negative reports.

Positives: I could only find two horses who has been getting better reports coming into this race than in the Preps.


Take Charge Indy - final work before the Florida Derby:

"Finish: 1:01.57s - worked on the main shortly after Union Rags hit the track and there was no comparison, Indy didn't work bad just didn't have the stride or jump that Rags had. Finished in 25.3"


From Mike Welch

"has trained far better coming out of his Florida Derby victory than going in, his easy April 19 drill at Palm Meadows was far superior than his similarly timed final Florida Derby prep three weeks earlier."


Gemologist: His final workout before his 3yo return race:

"Finish: 49.77s - GEMOLOGIST outside of DISPOSABLEPLEASURE this morning for Todd. Worked in 49.,1 to the wire and out in 103.4. Gemo was second best while pleasure was going the easier of the two inside."


His comments coming into the Derby:

"looked incredible physically. He has grown and added weight and size. He looks like the real deal. He hs a nasty habit to idle when racing and in Derby it could hurt him. Pletcher has him looking incredible."



Negatives:

Dullahan - final work before Blue Grass:

"Finish: 57.4s - Worked lights out and fast over his favorite track, solidifying his love affair with synthetic tracks. Went in 23, 34.2 and 57.2. Finished out in 111 flat. You know he loves it here. What a surprise?"


Training reports coming into Derby:

"He doesn't drop his head on the dirt as he does on the poly. He seems to rely on his hind end tucked under him on dirt. He finished in 25.1 and galloped out in 115.3. Looked average. Did not inspire."



Creative Cause:

Final work before wearing down Bodemeister in the San Felipe:

"Finish: 46.4s - 23.20, 46.40 – Harrington has his big gray on his toes after this blowout. Best drill he has turned in this year."


Final work before 2nd as beaten Santa Anita Derby favorite:

"Again without the blinkers. Went real easy – 24.20, 48.40 – Harrington not as urgent in final prep this time."


Did not recieve a strong report for his final Derby work like he did before his performance in the San Felipe and according to Mike Welsch "has not had the best week of the Derby contenders after coming up with a minor foot issue on the flight east. He does not seem real comfortable at a jog and like several others in this field has shown a tendency to get hot in the morning."




Two other intersting ones:


I'll Have Another's final work going into his Santa Anita Derby win was judged to be underwhelming:

"Finish: 1:26s - 24.60, 48.00, 1:00.40 for the final five furlongs. Finished up under pushing pressure. Underwhelming in final prep. Taken off the bit on purpose?"


His Derby works haven't been judged to be much better, however.



* Liason was judged to easily outwork Blueskiesnrainbows before the Santa Anita Derby ... the latter almost won the race and Liason never factored:

"Finish: 1:10.4s - Was much the best here over barnmate BLUESKIESNRAINBOWS. Stalked here for most of the drill and made a move down the stretch to catch the workmate and win the drill by lengths. Final furlong in 11.3 in hand."