Chasing The Derby: Weekend Review: Verrazano, 4 other Kentucky Derby starters work at Churchill// Orb breezes in Florida// Baffert shakes up standings// Coolmore Lexington results and figs// more…

Summary:

Sunday was a day of important workouts at Churchill Downs with Verrazano, Revolutionary, Mylute, Normandy Invasion, and Will Take Charge all getting serious time on the strip. Likely morning line favorite Verrazano was the headliner with Gary Stevens the surprising rider. Apparently Verrazano was slow in the early going and needed some urging to catch up to his stablemate. Once he did, the two were essentially neck and neck down most of the stretch. Mike Welsch from the Daily Racing Form labeled the work simply “Good, not a wow”. Trainer Todd Pletcher on the other hand said it was “excellent” and Verrazano “got over the track nicely”// Revolutionary finished his 4-furlong work the best of the bunch according to Welsch. Three-time Derby winner Calvin Borel guided the son of War Pass along the rail most of the way as expected. Pletcher said, “we might as well let him get used to it”// Rosie Napravnik was aboard Mylute who Welsch said went well, although he shut down just after the wire. His final time of 47:80 was the second fastest of 81 horses going the same 4-fulrong distance// Normandy Invasion was “a little rank” in the early going of his 4-panel breeze, but eventually settled down. Welsch explains trainer Chad Brown has been trying to get Normandy Invasion more forwardly placed in the early stages of his races// D. Wayne Lukas’ Will Take Charge made a strong closing move during his extended one mile breeze, although jockey Jon Court had to urge him along in the final strides// Over at Payson Park in Florida, Orb had an official 5-furlong work before traveling to Kentucky. Trainer Shug McGaughey said it was “perfect” seeing as Orb saved his best strides for the end// Full workout times, reports, and videos from Sunday can be found below// The point standings continue to be a topic of debate and confusion mainly due to Bob Baffert, who seems to force the spotlight on himself this time of year. Just last week he was quoted as saying, “and then there was one,” alluding to Govenor Charlie representing his lone Kentucky Derby starter. Now, Baffert is not ruling out four of his trainees- Super Ninety Nine (#18), Den’s Legacy (#20), Code West (#23), and Power Broker (#27). The first two are set to work at Santa Anita Wednesday, after which Baffert will decide whether to point for the Derby or not. The latter two colts are already at Churchill, but Baffert will make a decision on their status later in the week when he can observe them in person// Todd Pletcher was mum on next race plans for Saturday’s Coolmore Lexington Stakes (G3) winner Winning Cause. He said a decision will be made as late as next weekend// As expected, Falling Sky will officially go to the Kentucky Derby, “as long as he breezes like we want him to” according to trainer John Terranova// Trainer Paul Aguirre said Sunday that Tiz a Minister (currently #24) will go to the Derby if he’s eligible. The colt is set to race Saturday at Hollywood Park, but Aguirre has no reservations about wheeling him back in just a week if need be// more…

Works:

Sunday

Orb- PAY- 5F- 1.02:10- B- 3/5

Mylute- CD- 4F- 47:80- B- 2/81

Normandy Invasion- CD- 4F- 48:20- B- 7/81

Revolutionary- CD- 4F- 48:80- B- 22/81

Will Take Charge- CD- 1M- 1.41:60- B- 1/1

Verrazano- CD- 5F- 1.00:20- B- 3/40

Tiz a Minister- HOL- 4F- 50:20- H- 35/40

Articles:

Kentucky Derby Clocker report: Revolutionary, Verrazano look sharp [with video] (DRF)

Kentucky Derby update April 21 (Churchil Downs)