Kentucky Derby 2023: 3 contenders with great workouts

When Kentucky Derby season rolls around, workouts become a big deal. But knowing how to spot good workouts beyond the hype of social media can feel daunting, especially for those who do not watch them on a regular basis.  

One factor that feels slightly overrated in the workout discussions is time, as most horses do not try their hardest in the mornings. How the horse moves and responds to the rider seems more important, as well as the overall energy. Does the horse act like he wants to do more, or is he worn out late?

In any case, here were three great Derby workouts heading into the run for the roses on Saturday.

Disarm, April 24

Disarm’s form might feel hard to accept heading into the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, but he continues to look great in the mornings for trainer Steve Asmussen. Also, it does seem interesting that Joel Rosario opted to ride him.

In this five-furlong spin, Disarm worked in company with his stablemate Gigante, who was sixth in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) last November. After starting about a length behind him on the far side, Disarm rounded the turn behind him by the same margin and then began to move past his workmate in the stretch run.

Disarm made a good impression striding out past Gigante under light urging and kept moving through the next turn and into the far side with the same great energy. He has a long and fluid motion heading into the wire and continues that same motion until the rider pulls him up. 

Disarm looked ready for more. His form might seem questionable on paper, but this colt looks full of run in the mornings.

Derma Sotogake, April 26

Although this runner is based in Japan, Derma Sotogake's pedigree brings a blend of American speed combined with stamina on the bottom. 

In the mornings, the common observation is that Derma Sotogake wanders around in a goofy fashion and perhaps does not seem very professional. But in this five-furlong workout in company April 26, Derma Sotogake gave a professional effort from start to finish.

Derma Sotogake began the workout several lengths behind his workmate and fellow Japan-based Derby entrant Continuar, but he quickly made up the ground under his own power as they rounded the turn.

The two horses started the stretch on even terms. Derma Sotogake responded well to his rider’s urging and quickly pulled clear from his workmate while running in a strong manner through the finish line. Continuar also had strong urging from his rider and failed to keep up with Derma Sotogake.

By the next turn, Derma Sotogake already had opened up by several lengths, although Continuar stopped working and had only a four-furlong time.

Nevertheless, Derma Sotogake displayed great energy from start to finish.

Tapit Trice, April 29

Tapit Trice has a slow-breaking habit. But in workouts, this Todd Pletcher-trained colt looks great from start to finish without the use of a gate.

In this four-furlong workout, specifically watch Tapit Trice and his workmate Equivoque in the head-on shot. Tapit Trice easily moves slightly ahead of Equivoque without urging, while Equivoque receives urging to keep up with Tapit Trice.

For what it is worth, Equivoque recently broke his maiden at Keeneland at first asking on April 8 and probably has a bright future ahead of him.

Tapit Trice did not blow by Equivoque. Instead, they went around the next turn together with Tapit Trice still slightly ahead of him. Regardless, Tapit Trice made it seem like blowing by him was possible if the rider asked him.

Considering the talent of his workmate, Tapit Trice made a great impression.