Which Kentucky Derby 2019 contenders are working best?
With Japan’s Master Fencer logging a five-furlong work Wednesday toward the 2019 Kentucky Derby, the final breezes are all done for the field of 20 at Churchill Downs.
Whose drills best signify contenders sitting on go for Saturday’s race? Here are the seven that graded out best in their last bit of serious training.
Editor's note: This story was published before news broke of Omaha Beach's scratch from the Kentucky Derby.
His half-mile work Saturday in :47.60 was simply impressive. War of Will was eager, yet controlled during the breeze, and left his workmate reeling in the stretch. His final split of :11.40 while under a stout hold was most impressive. He drew what is widely considered the worst post position for the Kentucky Derby on the rail. However, if he gets to the lead, he could be dangerous given his morning form.
The only major difference between his work and that of War of Will is Omaha Beach went a furlong farther. Both kept a similar pace, with Omaha Beach under a more relaxed hold. He too started behind a workmate, and he too went by with ease. Omaha Beach finished his final quarter in :23.60. He drew favorably and will break from the 12 slot outside of most other race speed.
This horse has been training like a monster all month at Churchill Downs, and his final work continued the trend. The colt was into the bit the entire way, striding out smoothly while looking well within himself. He completed his half mile drill in :48.40 but galloped out an additional quarter in 1:12.80, meaning he got that extra quarter in :24.40. So, he had more of a six-furlong work. I’m not a fan of him breaking from Post 3, but he could still close for a piece of it if he works out a trip.
I loved his work last week. This week, more of the same. Improbable went five panels Sunday in 1:00.60, getting his final quarter in :24.20 while under a tight hold through the stretch. He then proceeded to gallop out another eighth in :12.40. He looks to be sitting on go and breaks from Post 5, which has produced a number of winners, including Always Dreaming in 2017.
He worked last Friday at Santa Anita Park inside of a stablemate who provided plenty of pressure during the six-furlong drill, even getting on even terms with Roadster at one point. Entering the stretch, Roadster kicked clear under some urging, and remained about two lengths the better while finishing the drill in 1:13.80. Considering how deep Santa Anita’s dirt has appeared since March’s shutdown over safety concerns, that’s a nice time. It turns out Roadster won’t be on the inside in the Derby, breaking from Post 17, but that should allow him the ability to relax without pressure.
His work looked almost like a carbon copy of Roadster and occurred the same day, but he was credited with a seventh furlong in 1:27 flat. The time isn’t much to gawk at, but he finished strongly, extending himself down the stretch, and continued that into the gallop out. Game Winner will catch another wide trip from post Post 16, but that’s becoming his usual way.
In his first and only timed drill since the Wood Memorial, Tax worked a half mile in :47.80, and looked good doing it. It looked like he was zeroed in on his workmate the entire time, ready and waiting to pounce. When given his cue, Tax went by and drew well clear. Unfortunately, he will have his work cut out for him coming from post Post 2.