 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Journalism returned to the track at Churchill Downs on Wednesday morning as connections contemplate a tilt at the Gr.1 Preakness Stakes following his runner-up effort in the Kentucky Derby.
The Michael McCarthy-trained colt jogged once around under the watchful eye of Justin Curran, who heads McCarthy's Louisville operation. The son of Curlin is set to step up his preparation with a gallop on Thursday.
"He seemed happy. He came out of his race well," said Curran. "Just like he's bounced out of every race. The rider is happy. And if the rider is happy, everybody else is happy."
River Thames, who bypassed the Derby in favour of the Preakness, was also spotted on track Wednesday for trainer Todd Pletcher.
"He's doing well," Pletcher said. "He galloped well this morning and is scheduled to breeze on Saturday at Belmont. I'm happy with his progress."
Meanwhile, American Promise had a scheduled walk day before resuming training on Thursday. The Virginia Derby winner, who finished 16th in the Kentucky Derby, is confirmed for the Preakness.
"It was a bit of a dogfight," jockey Nik Juarez acknowledged of the Derby. "We had Citizen Bull, who broke outward. Two horses to my inside were impeded. I had to make a trip for American Promise the best way I could. Luckily, getting into that first turn, it was where we wanted to be, and he was able to avoid most of that trouble. There were many variables. It's the Kentucky Derby, you're dealing with that many horses. I just think he got a lot out of the race, and he's still American Promise."
Gr.2 UAE Derby runner-up Heart of Honor is scheduled to quarantine at Churchill Downs before vanning to Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore Monday. The British-trained son of Honor A.P. returned to his stable in England following his Dubai run but is now being aimed at the middle jewel of the American Triple Crown.
Another confirmed runner, Pay Billy, earned his Preakness spot through victory in the Federico Tesio Stakes at Laurel. Trainer Mike Gorham indicated the Improbable colt would complete his final work on Thursday morning at Delaware Park.
"I breezed him last Saturday just real easy, but tomorrow is going to be his really serious work," Gorham said. "Probably a good half and gallop out strong. He's been training good, galloping good all week long and acting good. Everything's going forward."
Bob Baffert has notified Pimlico officials that Rodriguez will arrive in Baltimore Monday. The Wood Memorial winner, scratched from the Derby, will work this weekend according to Baffert.