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| Sumita Pawar |
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With the Gr.1 Kentucky Derby coming up on 4th May, most contenders completed their routine gallops on 24th April as they prepare for their final published workouts this weekend. One of the notable contenders, Stronghold, who won the Gr.1 Santa Anita Derby, arrived at Churchill Downs on 23rd April and made his first trip to the oval on 24th April.
Stronghold jogged approximately a mile around the outside rail under the guidance of trainer Phil D'Amato's wife, Sherri. The team was happy with his performance and adaptation to the track on Wednesday. Stronghold has previously tasted success at Churchill Downs, winning his first race there on 1st October.
If the weather remains as currently forecasted, Stronghold will breeze on 27th April, with jockey Joe Talamo in the saddle. Antonio Fresu, who rode him to victory in the Santa Anita Derby, will once again be aboard for the Kentucky Derby.
Another contender, Catalytic, who finished second in the Gr.1 Florida Derby and is owned by Tami Bobo, Julie Davies, and George Isaacs, had his first gallop over the track on Wednesday after jogging a mile during his first day on-site on 23rd April.
"He just galloped a mile and a half," said trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.'s assistant Tristan Ford. "We're happy with everything. He's feeling good."
In just under three weeks, Society Man, who finished second in the Gr.2 Wood Memorial Stakes, has gone from being an unconsidered 106-1 longshot to having one of the most renowned riders in the world scheduled to ride him. Trainer Danny Gargan confirmed on 23rd April that Frankie Dettori, an international superstar jockey, will be taking the reins for the first time in the Derby since finishing sixth aboard China Visit in 2000. Society Man breezed alongside Dornoch on 20th April inside Churchill Downs.
"It's a race that Frankie has wanted to win and we feel honored that we could get him to ride our horse," Gargan said outside of his barn Tuesday. "I think he's probably one of the top riders to ever ride. He's a great guy to hang out with, brings a lot of charisma and a lot of character. It's going to be fun to have him in the Derby."
Following the Wood Memorial, Gargan reached out to agent Ron Anderson to convey his interest in having Dettori ride the horse, in case he was available.
"We got lucky and we ended up getting him," Gargan said.
Trainer Gargan intends to have Society Man breeze with Fountain of Gr.2 Youth Stakes winner Dornoch again on Saturday, just like they did on 20th April. However, this time Dornoch will take the inside position.
"We're planning on working them both on Saturday, a half-mile out in five-eighths, just like last week," Gargan said. "Both of them ran a mile and an eighth last time. They're fit, at this stage we just want to keep them healthy and happy and get them over there."
Trainer Gargan intends to have his assistant trainer and exercise rider Priscilla Schaefer ride Society Man for the upcoming work. However, if Dettori is present at the site and expresses his willingness, Gargan will consider having him aboard for the work.
"(Frankie's) got a lot going on," Gargan said. "All year long, our riders breeze our horses. If he's here and wants to breeze him, we'll address that situation but we'll have to see where he's at."