Chasing The Derby: Take Charge Indy apparently “magnificent” in work// Union Rags arrives at Churchill// Alpha gets more gate training

It’s harder to get a good read on Kentucky Derby contender workouts when they don’t take place at Churchill Downs. Usually you’re left with the opinion from one clocker and an always confident trainer. That’s the case with Take Charge Indy’s 5 furlong official move at Palm Meadows Thursday. Aside from trainer Patrick Bryne noting he went a little too fast, he labeled the work “magnificent” and “couldn’t have gone any better”. The Palm Meadows clocker mentioned Take Charge Indy was sharp and in hand. The breeze was his final pre-Derby work, and the colt will fly to Louisville on Tuesday with Todd Pletcher’s contingent// Alpha continues to get some training in at Belmont. The son of Bernardini took part in gate training Thursday, which is important considering his past issues with becoming highly worked up in close quarters. Alpha is set to breeze Saturday and then fly to Louisville on Monday// I’m late to the party, but just read all the handicapping installments from Rich Nilsen on the A Game of Skill Blog. I’ve linked parts 1-6 below and it’s worth checking out his list of contenders, borderlines, and throwouts. Note his posting on Alpha was before it was revealed the colt had an infection and missed some training time// Union Rags arrived at Churchill Downs Thursday. See below for video of the arrival, an interview with trainer Michael Matz, and a blog post by jockey Julien Leparoux// Nice short video interview with Dale Romans from the Courier Journal. He claims he’s more relaxed than past Derbies and explains what it would mean to win the hometown race.

If you’re in Louisville next Tuesday try to stop by Molly Malone’s Irish Pub on Baxter Avenue. They’re holding a benefit for Second Stride, which is a non-profit organization that provides rehabilitation, re-training, and placement for retired racehorses. Entry is just $10 and there will be auctions for racing memorabilia and other prizes with all proceeds going to the organization. For more info go here.

Kentucky Derby Contender Page

Includes pedigree chart, dosage, TrueNicks, PPs, Best Beyer/BRIS, and race replays

Works

Take Charge Indy- PMM- 5F- 1.00:47- B- 1/4 (Splits: 11.60, 23.60, 35.60, 47.60. Out 6F in 1:14.60)

Workout Videos

Mark Valeski 4/23 (HRTV)

Sabercat 4/23 (HRTV)

Optimizer 4/23 (HRTV)

Daddy Nose Best 4/23 (HRTV)

Bodemeister 4/24 (HRTV)

Liaison 4/25 (HRTV)

Workout Reports