Kentucky Derby 2023: Shirreffs is confident in Skinner's progress

Louisville, Ky.

Trainer John Shirreffs used a word that everyone in racing detests when asked to describe the progress of Kentucky Derby long shot Skinner.

Slow.

The trouble for the son of two-time horse of the year Curlin used to start at the start. He didn’t much care for the gate and required extensive schooling. He also didn’t much care for having dirt kicked in his face, a major problem for a horse whose natural style is to fall back before rallying.

Although Skinner could do no better than fifth when he debuted at five furlongs at Del Mar on July 24, Shirreffs knew the colt was a worthwhile project. He immediately stepped him up to Grade 1 competition, resulting in a third-place finish in the Sept. 11 Del Mar Futurity and sixth in the Oct. 8 American Pharoah to close his 2-year-old campaign.

Shirreffs knows what it is to be around talent. He pulled a tremendous upset when Giacomo brought home the roses in the 2005 Kentucky Derby at 50-1. His masterful handling of Zenyatta had much to do with her 19-for-20 career record and her standing as the only female to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic, a feat she accomplished with a breathtaking kick in 2009.

Shirreffs’ extreme patience contributed greatly to the strides Skinner has made this season. He said of his approach with youngsters who are slow to mature: “It’s repeating the same thing over and over until he gets it. It’s doing it enough times until it becomes second nature.”

A new and improved Skinner broke his maiden going one mile at Santa Anita on Feb. 12 to launch his 3-year-old season. He did well to finish third in the March 4 San Felipe (G2) despite a wide trip under Victor Espinoza. He came on to be involved in a blanket finish in the Santa Anita Derby (G1). Practical Move was a nose better than Japan-based Mandarin Hero. Skinner was another nose back in third.

“The Santa Anita Derby was very encouraging,” Shirreffs said. “We really like it that he stuck to his task.”

The bay colt might well have won with different circumstances. He was bumped from both sides leaving the gate. He was four wide entering the stretch before closing to be a just-missed third for Espinoza.

Shirreffs has every reason to believe their horse can move forward again when it matters most for owners Lee and Susan Searing. “He hasn’t plateaued or anything like that,” the trainer said.

Skinner’s pedigree and his Santa Anita Derby suggest he can get the classic 1 1/4-mile distance. Aside from Curlin’s influence, his dam, Winding Way, is by Malibu Moon. Another positive factor should be that Juan Hernandez will be aboard for the first time when they break from post 9 in an expected full field of 20. They are listed at 20-1 on the morning line.

“Juan has been the leading rider in Southern California for a few years now. I think he’s at the top of his game,” Shirreffs said. “This is his first Derby. I know he’s really excited about it and passionate about the ride.”

The wonderful experience with Giacomo, who was piloted flawlessly by Hall of Famer Mike Smith, made it clear to Shirreffs how vital a good trip is in the always congested Derby. “We were blessed with that race,” he said. “A lot of things have to happen, and they did happen at the right time. I always feel the trip is really important. In all big races, something good has to happen during the running of that race for the horse to win.”

Although Skinner needed a couple of defections to make the cut for the 20-horse Derby field, Shirreffs said he always prepared him as though that would happen. He had no secondary plan. When the opportunity arose, Skinner worked six furlongs in 1:14 Saturday at Santa Anita before shipping to Churchill Downs on Sunday. He appears to have settled in well.

The question is whether Skinner, not yet a finished product, has made enough slow but steady progress to be a Derby factor. “I hope on Saturday it all comes together for him,” said Shirreffs, knowing how magical it is when that occurs.