Ky. Derby works: Coal Battle breezes at Churchill Downs

Two days after shipping in from Arkansas, Coal Battle began his preparation for Kentucky Derby 2025 with a half-mile breeze in 48.4 seconds Tuesday morning at Churchill Downs.

With trainer Lonnie Briley’s assistant, Bethany Taylor, aboard, Coal Battle clicked off an opening quarter-mile in 24.0 seconds and galloped out five furlongs in 1:02.4, according to clocker Adam Wallace.

It was the Coal Front colt's first work since he finished third in the Arkansas Derby (G1) on March 29. His half-mile was the 30th fastest of 57 at the distance.

“He was too fresh in the Arkansas Derby,” Briley said. “I usually never have to saddle him on the walk, but I had to do that day. Then after he broke, and Cornucopian and Speed King went blazing to the lead, we were in third. He was just too fresh. We have a plan now going forward for the Derby to get him in the right place.

“It was a long drive getting to Churchill, but we’re getting settled in. He’s a pretty laid-back horse. If he’s not lying down, he’s usually at the back of his stall just relaxing. He knows when it’s game time.”

Coal Battle, who is based in Barn 42, arrived at Churchill Downs around 6 p.m. Sunday with three stablemates, Dashin’ Diva, Go Captain and True Passion, who also are scheduled to race during Kentucky Derby week.

Briley confirmed Juan Vargas will ride Coal Battle in the Kentucky Derby. The colt has 75 qualifying points for the run for the roses and is in eighth place on the leaderboard. 

Poster, who with 31 points would need help to get in the Churchill Downs starting gate, also worked Tuesday. The Munnings colt trained by Eoin Harty went five furlongs in 1:02.0 at Turfway Park, the fastest of three works at the distance. This was his first work since he placed fourth in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) on March 22.