Kentucky Derby 2018: Latest plans for all 20 contenders

Welcome to Horse Racing Nation’s Kentucky Derby Daily, which will each day leading up to the May 5 race at Churchill Downs detail all the news and notes related to contenders in one convenient space.

We’re nearing what this writer considers the most wonderful time of the year. Amid all the conversation about who can contend in the 2018 Kentucky Derby, the horses will begin trickling into Churchill Downs, where during a 15-minute window each morning starting Saturday those on the grounds will train in unison.

Here’s the latest we’ve been able to gather before the serious Derby works begin…

Already at Churchill Downs

Trainer Tom Amoss said Lone Sailor will complete his major pre-Derby work at 5:45 a.m. Thursday. The Louisiana Derby runner-up is expected to breeze in company with two stablemates and practice his late-running style but going by in the stretch.

Other Derby contenders stabled at Churchill include Risen Star winner Bravazo, Blue Grass Stakes runner-up Flameaway and the Dale Romans-trained duo of Free Drop Billy and Promises Fulfilled. Each are expected to breeze sometime in the next three days.

Over at Keeneland

Good Magic will work for the first time Saturday since his win in the Blue Grass Stakes, while Arkansas Derby runner-up Quip returned to the track Wednesday at Keeneland for a jog.

“We will give him a couple of days, see how he is and then make plans,” said trainer Rodolphe Brisset.

My Boy Jack also remains at Keeneland after a Lexington Stakes win that got him in the Kentucky Derby field last weekend. He’s likely to head to Churchill this weekend and will work once over the track there.

Stationed in Florida

Trainer Todd Pletcher returned his quartet of Derby contenders to the Palm Beach Downs training center off their victories in the Louisiana Derby (Noble Indy), Florida Derby (Audible), Wood Memorial (Vino Rosso) and Arkansas Derby (Magnum Moon). Plans call for April 23 as the shipping day to Churchill with one breeze over the track — Pletcher said “probably” eight days out.

Kiaran McLaughlin, who trains Enticed, said the multiple stakes winner will complete his works (weather-permitting) the next two Thursdays before shipping for the Derby.

Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott said last weekend he’s “wait and see” with shipping plans for Florida Derby runner-up Hofburg. Lightly raced, the colt could work twice at Churchill, or once more in Florida before heading north from Payson Park.

We have a call into trainer Jason Servis about Firenze Fire, who is the last horse into the field with a fourth-place Wood Memorial finish. Servis bases horses along the eastern seaboard.

On the West Coast

The Daily Racing Form’s Jay Privman reported that Solomini was headed back to California, then would ship again to Kentucky, after finishing third in the Arkansas Derby. Additionally, Santa Anita Derby winner Justify is expected to work later this week, potentially Thursday.

Privman also reported that Bolt d’Oro will ship to Churchill the Monday of Derby week after completing two workouts at Santa Anita Park for owner and trainer Mick Ruis. Breezes are scheduled for Sunday, April 22, and Saturday, April 28.

Still overseas

Neither international runner in this year’s field, Mendelssohn nor Gronkowski, is expected to do much at Churchill before the Kentucky Derby. Trainer Aidan O’Brien typically brings his contenders in as late as possible and will do the same with the 18 1/2-length UAE Derby winner Mendelssohn. Trainer Jeremy Noseda said Gronkowski will ship to the United States a week out and should clear quarantine in time to train over the dirt on Tuesday, May 1.

Derby links

• As for the first horse out of the Kentucky Derby field, Combatant, the colt's racing manager said his status is "a fluid situation." But there's an argument for why he could contend with this bunch.

• So, your Kentucky Derby news of the day: Gronkowski (the human) has bought into Gronkowski (the horse) and plans to be at Churchill Downs with his full entourage. Said the NFL star: "This horse is a winner and I love a winner."

• HorseCenter hosts Brian Zipse and Matt Shifman published the first of three shows previewing the Kentucky Derby. Check out their top contenders and more moving forward.

In case you missed it...

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