Baffert 'loved' final Derby works for Roadster, Game Winner
Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner Roadster and champion Game Winner, two-thirds of Bob Baffert’s talented Kentucky Derby 2019 triumvirate, both had their final workouts Friday morning for next weekend's race at Churchill Downs, where Baffert will be seeking his race record-tying sixth victory.
Working in company after the 6:45 a.m. renovation break, Roadster went six furlongs in 1:13.80, while Game Winner covered seven furlongs in 1:27 after the 7:45 break. Martin Garcia was in the irons.
Once On Whiskey worked with Roadster and was clocked in 1:01.20 for five furlongs. Show Me Da Lute worked with Game Winner, getting five furlongs in 1:00.60. Roadster and Game Winner were both situated inside their workmates.
“I had them inside just to keep the pressure on,” Baffert explained. “That way I can control their works."
“I loved the way he went,” Baffert said of Roadster. “Martin said he felt great and didn’t take a deep breath. That’s one thing about this horse — he’ll go a mile and a quarter. We just don’t know how fast. He handles a deep track, and the really good ones will do that.
“He’ll be fit when he leaves here, because I think the Santa Anita Derby got him pretty fit. After that, I could see a big change in him. He really needed that race.
“As soon as I told him to pick it up, he took off. He was controlling the work and just cruising along . . . if the horse is good enough, he’s ready
“Game Winner looked awesome. It was perfect,” added Baffert, whose California-based charges travel Saturday to join stablemate Improbable, already bedded down at Churchill Downs.
“They all have different styles,” Baffert said. “They’re not going to get in each other’s way. Now we have one more stressful moment. That’s the draw. Then it’s time for the mint juleps.”