It was an afternoon of brilliance and sadness. BIG BROWN (Boundary) sparkled with a convincing victory in the 134th Kentucky Derby (G1), dominating as trainer Richard Dutrow all but promised he would, but the aftermath was marred by the breakdown of the gallant EIGHT BELLES (Unbridled's Song).
Denis of Cork
Denis of Cork
The last timed work for a horse entered in Kentucky Derby 134 was turned in Thursday by morning-line favorite Big Brown, who covered three furlongs in :35.40. The 35.40 was a bit faster than the :36 to :37 range Dutrow talked about Wednesday, but he said the time wasn’t a problem.
The Smooth Air team has been riding various waves of emotion this week, as can be expected when participating in the Kentucky Derby for the first time. Stutts, 70, and his wife Dianne attended the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners’ and Breeders Derby Traine
The grandstand and backside were packed with people on a picture perfect morning at Churchill.
Speaking from Belmont Park where he was overseeing the New York division of his stable, trainer Todd Pletcher stated Monday morning that the Coolmore Lexington Stakes (GII) winner would bypass the Kentucky Derby and instead point for the Preakness Stakes two weeks later.
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With rain expected later in the afternoon, trainers had the opportunity to take advantage of ideal conditions at the Downs, and five Kentucky Derby (G1) contenders received their final workout in preparation for Saturday's 134th running.
COLONEL JOHN (Tiznow), ADRIANO (A.P. Indy) and EIGHT BELLES (Unbridled's Song) all came onto the track after the renovation break.