Winchell Thoroughbreds’ Epicenter completed his final major piece of work for Saturday’s 148th running of the $3 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (GI) by working five furlongs in company in 1:01 over a track labeled as muddy Sunday morning at Churchill Downs.
Coming onto the track at 7:30 (all times Eastern) under overcast skies and working with the 4-year-old Alejandro, Epicenter produced fractions of :12.60, :24.40, :36.20, :48.40 and galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.80.
Scheduled to work Monday morning at Churchill Downs will be Summer Is Tomorrow who is slated for a half-mile breeze at 7:30.
BARBER ROAD – WSS Racing’s Barber Road had a scheduled walk day at trainer John Ortiz’s Barn 46 following his half-mile move in :48.80 Saturday.
The Arkansas Derby (GI) runner-up is scheduled to return to the track Monday.
CLASSIC CAUSEWAY – Kentucky West Racing and Clarke Cooper’s Classic Causeway walked trainer Brian Lynch’s Barn 40 Sunday.
Classic Causeway completed his major Derby preparation Saturday with a six-furlong move in 1:13.20.
CHARGE IT, MO DONEGAL, PIONEER OF MEDINA – While stablemates Charge It and Pioneer of Medina simply had walk days at Barn 35 following their final Kentucky Derby works Saturday, Mo Donegal – who also had put in his final prep the day before – was sent to the track Sunday morning for a bit of leg stretching under trainer Todd Pletcher’s right-hand lady Amelia Green.
The Uncle Mo colt with a distinctive star on his forehead went trackside with two of the barn’s Kentucky Oaks fillies — Shahama and Nest – during the special 7:30-7:45 Derby/Oaks training period at Churchill Downs.
All three of the Pletcher runners galloped separately, with “Mo” well out in the middle of the track and going about his business in fine fashion as he covered roughly a mile and one quarter.
“He’s very happy,” Green said as she took her mount off the track and back to the barn.
The trio of the Pletcher Derby colts were likely to be gallopers Monday morning. “We might have them go stand at the gate tomorrow or Tuesday depending on the track condition,” the trainer said.
CROWN PRIDE (JPN) – Teruya Yoshida’s Crown Pride (JPN) jogged in the mile chute for 10 minutes and then galloped a mile and a quarter under exercise rider Masa Matsuda.
Crown Pride is scheduled to have his final pre-Derby work on Wednesday.
Trainer Koichi Shintani is scheduled to arrive in Louisville late tonight and will be at the Post Position Draw Monday afternoon.
CYBERKNIFE, TAWNY PORT, ZOZOS – Trainer Brad Cox’s Derby trio of Cyberknife, Tawny Port and Zozos all walked the shedrow at Barn 22.
The trio is scheduled to return to the track Monday.
EARLY VOTING – Owner Seth Klarman notified Churchill Downs officials that Early Voting will not enter this year’s Kentucky Derby.
EPICENTER – Making his final work before carrying Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen’s hopes of his first Kentucky Derby on his back, Winchell Thoroughbreds’ Epicenter hit the track at 7:40 a.m., delayed from his usual 5:45 training slot by the morning rain. Over a muddy track, exercise rider Roberto Howell piloted him through five furlongs in 1:01 with splits of 12.60, 24.40, 36.20, 48.40 and galloping out six furlongs in 1:13.80.
Asked if Epicenter worked so easily today so as not to overdo it, Asmussen said, “Honestly I have so much confidence in Epicenter right now I don’t think you could overdo it [with a horse like him]. He has taken a lot of training extremely easy. Including, I thought he took the Louisiana Derby extremely easy, how he came back from the test barn and walked into the barn, and that’s why his training and his works ever since have been faster, or stronger, than is the norm for me.”
Epicenter worked inside stablemate Alejandro, a 4-year old maiden winner by Curlin, different company than his recent partner, Gun It.
“It felt perfect, knowing [Alejandro] and how he goes about what he is doing,” Asmussen said. “His previous workmate, Gun It, is a very strong, very physical horse … somewhat hard to manage, and that brings out a little extra in [Epicenter], especially getting to the pole, getting off, getting away from the pole and what you are getting out of it. And as you saw today, they were away from it a lot smoother, just a lot easier to the pole. Still strong, still very smooth. I think [Epicenter] is in a beautiful rhythm, and we are trying to create the circumstances and prepare for what we are expecting to happen in the races this week.”
When asked if he was nervous, Asmussen joked, “I’m not running. I’m good. I am unbelievably excited to be doing this well with this much on the line. I had a pretty anxious drive last night with rain and thunderstorms for most of it, and if it’s meant to be then it’s meant to be, but everything seems to be working out perfectly. This year’s Oaks and Derby are extremely exciting with how strong the races look and how well all the horses are doing going into it. It is going to be an extremely exciting five or six days.”
HAPPY JACK – The Oxbow colt, who finished third in the Sana Anita Derby (GI) in his most recent start, was scheduled to ship over from Keeneland Sunday afternoon and arrive at Churchill Downs at 3 p.m. His trainer, California-based Doug O’Neill, said he’d join up with his charge Monday morning at Barn 41.
The Calumet Farm homebred put in his final Kentucky Derby prep Saturday morning at Keeneland when he worked a mile in 1:39.60 over a fast track with his rider, Rafael Bejarano, aboard.
O’Neill was following a pattern he used with his 2016 Derby winner Nyquist, that is shipping his California horse to Keeneland a week in advance of the race to train and settle in. Another reason was to enable the now Kentucky-based Bejarano to work the horse.
“He’s just a positive, super successful jock,” O’Neill said about the rider he gave a leg up with great success for many years in Southern California. “It has amazed me he hasn’t already won a Kentucky Derby. I would love to be part of that much-deserved victory for him.
“Rafy got to know (Happy Jack) a little bit. ‘Jack’ has a lot of ability and maybe the light bulb hasn’t gone completely on, so I’m hoping it does next Saturday.”
MESSIER, TAIBA – The 1-2 finishers in the Grade I Santa Anita Derby – Zedan Racing Stables’ Taiba and SF Racing, Starlight Racing, et al’s Messier – were in the air and en route to Louisville by way of Indianapolis Sunday morning where their conditioner, Tim Yakteen, was ready to meet them for their arrival at Barn 37 on the Churchill Downs backside.
After their van ride down from Indy, the duo – along with stablemate Doppelganger (coming for the Pat Day Mile Saturday) – were expected to reach their destination at approximately 3 p.m. Sunday. Yakteen, who had taken the red eye out of Los Angeles Saturday night, planned to be at the barn when his trio of 3-year-old colts came on board.
Yakteen has two Hall of Fame riders scheduled to take the reins on his two Derby colts on Saturday: Mike Smith on Taiba and John Velazquez on Messier.
RICH STRIKE – Trainer Eric Reed said that RED TR-Racing’s Rich Strike would be entered Monday in the Kentucky Derby.
“We are entering and hoping and praying,” Reed said of Rich Strike, who is No. 22 on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard and likely will be on the also-eligible list for the Run for the Roses.
Third in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (GIII) at Turfway Park in his most recent start, Rich Strike had a scheduled walk day Sunday.
Sonny Leon has the Derby mount.
SIMPLIFICATION – Tami Bobo’s Simplification arrived at Churchill Downs shortly before 1 o’clock Saturday afternoon and will make his first appearance on the track Monday morning at 7:30.
Trainer Antonio Sano is scheduled to arrive in Louisville this afternoon.
SMILE HAPPY, TIZ THE BOMB – After Magdalena Racing’s Tiz the Bomb and Lucky Seven Stable’s Smile Happy worked a half-mile Saturday, the colts under trainer Kenny McPeek’s care had an easy Sunday morning. Both spent some time walking and didn’t go out on the track softened by overnight rain.
“Everyone came out of their workouts in good shape,” said Greg Geier, assistant to McPeek.
The colts breezed together on Saturday, clocked in 48 seconds for the half-mile, with Brian Hernandez Jr. aboard Tiz the Bomb and Corey Lanerie on Smile Happy.
SUMMER IS TOMORROW – Michael Hilary Burke and Negar Burke’s Summer Is Tomorrow galloped a mile and a half under Heinz Runge during the 7:30-7:45 training window for Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses.
“I am happy with the horse,” Runge said. “His is doing well and all is going as planned.”
Summer Is Tomrrow is scheduled to breeze a half-mile Monday morning with Caroline Seemar, wife of trainer Bhupat Seemar, to handle the work.
“I am glad we did not work today,” Bhupat Seemar said after overnight rains left the track muddy when Summer Is Tomorrow trained this morning. “God is looking out for us.”
UN OJO – Cypress Creek Equine and Whispering Oaks Farm’s Un Ojo walked the shedrow at Barn 4 a day after working a half-mile in :47.60.
WHITE ABARRIO – Weather delayed the final workout plans that trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. had for Florida Derby (GI) winner White Abarrio at Gulfstream Park on Saturday. Later in the day, the track dried out under sunny skies, and Gulfstream Park permitted Joseph to work the colt between the 10th and 11th races, rather than waiting until early Sunday.
“I’m glad we were able to get it in yesterday afternoon, because it rained again this morning,” Joseph said by phone.
Shortly after 6 p.m. Saturday, C2 Racing Stable and La Milagrosa Stable’s White Abarrio, with exercise rider Vincente Gudiel aboard, was timed in 48.11 seconds, off fractions of :12.66 and :24.24. He galloped out under urging to 1:00.12, with a mile posted at 1:41.64.
“He came out of the work in fine shape,” Joseph said of White Abarrio’s third workout since winning the Florida Derby on April 2. “I’m so grateful that Gulfstream Park was able to help us out.”
The van carrying White Abarrio to Louisville was leaving South Florida late Sunday morning.
ZANDON – Jeff Drown’s Blue Grass Stakes (GI) winner Zandon returned to the track Sunday for the first time since his eye-catching five-furlong move in 1:00.80 Friday.
Zandon had a light one-mile jog and is scheduled to gallop Monday.
SHAPING UP: THE KENTUCKY DERBY – Here’s the current Top 20 horses in this year’s Kentucky Derby (with jockey and trainer): Epicenter (Joel Rosario, Steve Asmussen); Zandon (Flavien Prat, Chad Brown); White Abarrio (Tyler Gaffalione, Saffie Joseph Jr.); Mo Donegal (Irad Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher); Tiz the Bomb (Brian Hernandez Jr., Kenny McPeek); Cyberknife (Florent Geroux, Brad Cox); Crown Pride (JPN) (Christophe Lemiere, Koichi Shintani); Taiba (Mike Smith, Tim Yakteen); Simplification (Jose Ortiz, Antonio Sano); Smile Happy (Corey Lanerie, Kenny McPeek); Classic Causeway (Julien Leparoux, Brian Lynch); Tawny Port (Ricardo Santana Jr., Brad Cox); Barber Road (Rey Gutierrez, John Ortiz); Un Ojo (Ramon Vazquez, Ricky Courville); Messier (John Velazquez, Tim Yakteen); Zozos (Manny Franco, Brad Cox); Summer Is Tomorrow (Mickael Barzalona, Bhupat Seemar); Charge It (Luis Saez, Todd Pletcher); Happy Jack (Rafael Bejarano, Doug O’Neill); Pioneer of Medina (TBA, Todd Pletcher).
LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS UPDATE – L and N Racing and Winchell Thoroughbreds’ undefeated Echo Zulu completed her major preparation for Friday’s $1.25 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI) by working a half-mile in :50.80 on her own over a track labeled as good.
Echo Zulu came on the track after the second morning harrow break at 9 o’clock and under sunny skies. She produced fractions of :13.20, :25.60 and :50.80.
BEGUINE – Charles Matses’ Beguine, No. 15 on the Kentucky Oaks leaderboard, jogged a mile under Helen Pitts on Sunday morning.
Trainer Danny Peitz plans to enter the Fantasy (GIII) runner-up in the Kentucky Oaks (GI) on Monday. No rider has been confirmed for Beguine.
The top 14 point earners for the Oaks has remained unchanged for three weeks and if all enter on Monday, Beguine would be an also-eligible.
“I can’t believe no one has dropped by the wayside,” said Peitz, who has five horses at the nearby Trackside Louisville located adjacent to Derby City Gaming, plus a string at Oaklawn Park. “The 14 hole would be the only bad thing because if you draw in you have to be in the 14. But it is a long run to the first turn.”
CANDY RAID – As is his custom, trainer Ketih Desormeaux was not in the barn on Sunday, but his barn manger reported that Don’t Tell My Wife Stables and Desormeux’s Candy Raid came out of her work well, ate heartily and walked the shedrow.
COCKTAIL MOMENTS – After Dixiana Farms’ Cocktail Moments worked Saturday, the filly walked the shedrow on Sunday. Greg Geier, assistant to trainer Kenny McPeek, said she came out of the five-furlong breeze completed in 1:00.80 in fine shape.
DESERT DAWN – Sunday morning the Santa Anita Oaks (GII) winner Desert Dawn was on an airplane along with seven other Southern California runners who have dates in various stakes this upcoming weekend at Churchill Downs. Desert Dawn’s assignment will be to try and win the 148th edition of the Grade I Kentucky Oaks on Friday afternoon.
The plane load of high-line equine flesh landed in Indianapolis around 12:30 p.m. Sunday, then was scheduled to be vanned for approximately 2 1/2 hours to their Churchill Downs destination. Desert Dawn and stablemate Ain’t Easy were slated to be dropped off at Barn 43.
Phil D’Amato, who runs one of the largest and most successful stables in the West, will fly out of Los Angeles Monday and arrive in Louisville late that afternoon. He’ll reunite with his stakes-winning fillies Tuesday morning at the track.
ECHO ZULU – Delayed from hitting the track at her regular 5:15 time by the morning rain, L and N Racing and Winchell Thoroughbreds’ Echo Zulu made her much anticipated approach to the main track at 9 a.m. She made her solo :50.80 half-mile move on a track rated good under exercise rider Wilson Fabian.
“We just moved it back and we felt good about it,” trainer Steve Asmussen said. “We had a little shot of rain, a little sprinkle here or there. Kept us on our toes. I was pleased with how our horses’ first set trained over the race track — they were springing off of it nicely. I was obviously very pleased with the exercise they put in this morning and how they are acting back in the barn.”
“Obviously, I’m very pleased with how the training has went for both Echo Zulu and Epicenter,” Asmussen said. “Obviously, very different works for the two of them. I felt that’s who they are and where they are at right now, especially coming off of last Sunday’s works and what I felt they got out of them.”
When asked if he is seeing improvements and changes in Echo Zulu’s fitness level since the nose victory in her first race as a 3-year-old, Asmussen said, “Absolutely. I thought she won the Fair Grounds Oaks with natural ability and class. She has put in solid training for the Oaks, and then put in a huge move last Sunday. Galloped from there. [Today’s work] went typical for her, an easy half mile. I want her razor sharp and fleet as she can be for next Friday.”
GODDESS OF FIRE, NEST, SHAHAMA – The Todd Pletcher Oaks threesome were gallopers Sunday morning at Churchill Downs after they had completed their final major exercise for the upcoming Kentucky Oaks with “in company” drills Friday on a fast track.
A romping winner of the Grade I Ashland Stakes at Keeneland in her most recent effort, Nest – likely the morning line favorite for Friday’s $1.25 million Run for the Lilies – went with stablemate Shahama (the UAE Oaks {GII}winner) during the 7:30-7:45 special Oaks/Derby training period at Churchill Downs.
The fillies were handled by Nora McCormack (Nest) and Humberto Zamora (Shahama) and presented an interesting contrast as they went through their leg stretching. Shahama, a bay, has an almost completely white face; Nest, another bay, conversely doesn’t have a mark on her head.
Nest went about a mile and three-eighths according to McCormack, while Shahama covered a bit more than a mile and a quarter according to her conditioner, who watched the moves through binoculars at the track’s five-furlong gap.
At 8 a.m., Zamora returned to the track with Goddess of Fire with Pletcher again an interested observer in the five-furlong gap, which many on the backstretch have now named after him. The daughter of Mineshaft who has finished second in three stakes coming into Friday’s race went for a spin of just more than a mile and a quarter positioned near the center of the track. She seemed to enjoy her work as she bowed her neck along the way and pleased her rider. “Bueno,” was the way Zamora summed it up.
HIDDEN CONNECTION – Hidden Brook Farm and Black Type Thoroughbreds’ Hidden Connection had an easy day of training with a light jog.
The runner-up in the TwinSpires.com Fair Grounds Oaks (GII) continues to get seasoning with the Churchill Downs paddock and has schooled twice.
“I just want to make sure she’s comfortable with her surroundings,” trainer Bret Calhoun said. “She’s handled everything very well when we’ve brought her over.”
KATHLEEN O. – Winngate Stables’ Kathleen O. took it easy the day after putting in her final work before the Oaks by walking the shedrow. The Shug McGaughey trainee had worked a half-mile in :47.80.
NOSTALGIC – Godolphin’s Nostalgic walked Barn 19’s shedrow after her :48.80 half-mile move Saturday.
Nostalgic would attempt to give her Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott his first victory in the Longines Kentucky Oaks.
SECRET OATH – Briland Farm’s Secret Oath galloped about 1 ½ miles at 5:15 a.m. under exercise rider Danielle Rosier.
Secret Oath will attempt to give Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas his fifth victory in the Oaks and tie Woody Stephens for the most by a trainer in the race. Lukas’ most recent victory in the Oaks was 32 years ago with Seaside Attraction. He won the year prior with Open Mind and in 1984 and 1982 with Lucky Lucky Lucky and Blush With Pride.
TURNERLOOSE – Ike and Dawn Thrash’s Turnerloose had a 1 ½-mile gallop under exercise rider Edvin Vargas.
Trainer Brad Cox confirmed Manny Franco will ride in the Oaks.
VENTI VALENTINE – NY Final Furlong Racing Stable and Parkland Thoroughbreds’ Gazelle (GIII) runner-up Venti Valentine was on the track, but wasn’t asked by trainer Jorge Abreu for anything real strenuous.
“She jogged once around the track,” Abreu said. “She’s ready for the race.”
She had a final workout for the Longines Kentucky Oaks last Friday with Tyler Gaffalione aboard, going five furlongs in 1:00.80.
YUUGIRI – Tsunebumi and Sekie Yoshihara’s Yuugiri left Keeneland at 11 Sunday morning for the van ride to Churchill Downs and her engagement in Friday’s $1.25 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI).
With trainer Rodolphe Brisset aboard, Yuugiri completed her major preparation for the Oaks with a half-mile breeze in :49.20 Saturday morning at Keeneland.
SHAPING UP: THE KENTUCKY OAKS – Here’s the Top 14 horses on the leaderboard for the $1.25 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI) (with jockey and trainer): Kathleen O. (Javier Castellano, Shug McGaughey); Echo Zulu (Joel Rosario, Steve Asmussen); Nest (Irad Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher); Yuugiri (Florent Geroux, Rodolphe Brisset); Desert Dawn (Umberto Rispoli, Phil D’Amato); Nostalgic (Jose Ortiz, Bill Mott); Venti Valentine (Tyler Gaffalione, Jorge Abreu); Secret Oath (Luis Saez, Wayne Lukas); Goddess of Fire (John Velazquez, Todd Pletcher); Turnerloose (Manny Franco, Brad Cox); Hidden Connection (Rey Gutierrez, Bret Calhoun); Cocktail Moments (Corey Lanerie, Kenny McPeek); Candy Raid (Rafael Bejarano, Keith Desormeaux); Shahama (Flavien Prat, Todd Pletcher).
STAKES PROBABLES – The following are the early probable stakes race entrants for Kentucky Derby Week, according to assistant racing secretary and stakes coordinator Dan Bork:
The 28th running of the $500,000 Twin Spires Turf Sprint (GII) presented by Sysco, run on Friday, May 6 at 5 ½ furlongs on turf, entries close Monday, May 2: Arrest Me Red (Wesley Ward); Bound for Nowhere (Wesley Ward); Chasing Artie (Saffie Joseph Jr.); Diamond Oops (Patrick Biancone); Gear Jockey (Rusty Arnold II); Johnny Unleashed (Eric Foster).
The 65th running of the Modesty (GIII) run on Friday, May 6 at 1 1/8 miles on turf, entries close Monday, May 2: Bleecker Street (Chad Brown); Hendy Woods (Mark Casse); She Can’t Sing (Chris Block).
The 19th running of the $500,000 Alysheba presented by Sentient Jet (GII), run on Friday, May 6 at 1 1/16 miles, entries close Monday, May 2: Fulsome (Brad Cox); Happy Saver (Todd Pletcher); Olympiad (Bill Mott); Title Ready (Dallas Stewart); Weyburn (Brendan Walsh).
The 38th running of the $500,000 Edgewood presented by Forcht Bank (GII), run Friday, May 6 at 1 1/16 miles, entries close Monday, May 2: Beachnut Trophy (Saffie Joseph Jr.); Dream Lith (Robertino Diodoro); Kneesnhips (Tom Amoss); Tap Dancing Lady (Brad Cox).
The 67th running of the $500,000 Eight Belles (GII, run Friday, May 6 at seven furlongs, entries close Monday, May 2: Ain’t Easy (Phil D’Amato); Awake At Midnyte (Doug O’Neill); Gerrymander (Chad Brown); Lac Vieux Desert (Robertino Diodoro); Marissa’s Lady (Bill Morey); Pretty Birdie (Norm Casse); Sandstone (Wayne Catalano).
The 37th running of the $750,000 La Troienne (GI), run Friday, May 6 at 1 1/16, entries close Monday, May 2: Ava’s Grace (Robertino Diodoro); Battle Bling (Rob Atras); Shedaresthedevil (Brad Cox); Temper Time (Dale Romans).
The 1st running of the $160,000 Knicks Go, run Saturday, May 7 at one mile, entries close Monday, May 2: Collaborate (Saffie Joseph Jr.); O Besos (Greg Foley); Perfect Speighty (Dallas Stewart); Three Technique (Jason Cook).
The 31st running of the $500,000 American Turf (GII), run Saturday, May 7 at 1 1/16 miles on turf, entries close Monday, May 2: Grand Sonata (Todd Pletcher); Stolen Base (Mike Maker).
The 98th running of the $500,000 Pat Day Mile presented by LG&E and KU (GII), run Saturday, May 7 at one mile, entries close Monday, May 2: Doppelganger (Tim Yakteen); Hoist the Gold (Dallas Stewart); Jack Christopher (Chad Brown); Newgrange (Tim Yakteen); Pappacap (Mark Casse); Trafalgar (Al Stall Jr.)
The 37th running of the $500,000 Longines Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (GII), run Saturday, May 7 at one mile on turf, entries close Monday, May 2: In Italian (Chad Brown); Mona Stella (Patrick Biancone); Wakanaka (Bill Mott).
The 36th running of the $750,000 Derby City Distaff presented by Kendall-Jackson Winery (GI), run at seven furlongs on Saturday, May 7, entries close Monday, May 2: Bell’s the One (Neil Pessin); Center Aisle (Paulo Lobo); Four Graces (Ian Wilkes); Obligatory (Bill Mott).
The 87th running of the $750,000 Churchill Downs presented by Ford (GI), run at seven furlongs on Saturday, May 7, entries close Monday, May 2: Aloha West (Wayne Catalano); Jackie’s Warrior (Steve Asmussen); Long Range Toddy (Dallas Stewart); Prevalence (Brendan Walsh).
The 36th running of the $1 million Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic (GI), run at 1 1/8 miles on turf on Saturday, May 7, entries close Monday May 2: Adhamo (Chad Brown); Cavalry Charge (Dallas Stewart); Ivar (BRZ) (Paulo Lobo); Santin (Brendan Walsh); Shirl’s Speight (Roger Attfield).
KENTUCKY DERBY, OAKS MORNING WORKOUTS OPEN TO PUBLIC – Churchill Downs will be open free-of-charge daily from 7-10 a.m. through Wednesday, May 4 so guests can watch the nation’s top 3-year-old Thoroughbreds train toward their engagements in this year’s Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks.
Horses train on Churchill Downs’ main track daily from 5:15-10 a.m. with an exclusive training window only for Derby and Oaks participants from 7:30-7:45 a.m. following the 7-7:30 a.m. renovation break.
Those horses are identified by special saddle towels which include their names: yellow saddle towels for Derby horses and pink saddle towels for Oaks contenders.
Kentucky Derby Morning Works presented by TwinSpires.com will begin Monday and air on www.kentuckyderby.com/works, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Fans in attendance will be able to watch the show on the track’s Big Board and infield televisions.
Guests can enter Churchill Downs through the Paddock Gate and should park for free in the nearby White Lot for convenient entry. Guests will be directed to Sections 115-117 to watch the morning workouts.
No outside food and beverage is allowed. Churchill Downs’ Paddock Grill will be open each morning with breakfast food and beverage options.
Also, the Churchill Downs Store will be open daily featuring all of the best official race merchandise, collectibles, drinkwear, party supplies, gifts, apparel and gear for men and women in advance of the Kentucky Derby.
On Sunday, May 1 and Monday, May 2, fans can enjoy a premium breakfast in Millionaires Row or the Stakes Room for Dawn at the Downs. Tickets start at $41 and can be purchased on www.KentuckyDerby.com/tickets.
The 148th runnings of the $1.25 Longines Kentucky Oaks (Grade I) and $3 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (GI) will be held Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7, respectively. Opening Night of Derby Week and the 44-day Spring Meet is Saturday, April 30.
KENTUCKY DERBY MORNING WORKS PROGRAM AIRS DAILY – Former leading jockey Rosie Napravnik, a two-time winner of the Longines Kentucky Oaks (Grade I), along with the voice of the Kentucky Derby, Travis Stone, join host Joe Kristufek as the featured analysts on the Kentucky Derby Morning Works presented by TwinSpires.com for the 11-day online broadcast.
The one-hour program will be streamed live on KentuckyDerby.com/works from 7-8 a.m. (all times Eastern) starting Monday and will feature the 15-minute exclusive training period for Kentucky Derby and Oaks contenders from 7:30-7:45 a.m. Fans can also watch the broadcast across several of the Kentucky Derby social media channels including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Fans will be invited to join in the discussion using the hashtag #KyDerby.
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