Thousand Words looks to seal Derby bid in Shared Belief

Thousand Words is one solid effort away from cementing a spot in the Kentucky Derby starting gates.

The Bob Baffert trainee ranks 18th on the leaderboard of horses targeting the Sept. 5 Derby with 33 points. Nineteen spots are currently available to U.S. runners, although that number could grow to 20 if no qualifying horse from Europe joins the field.

Four official Derby preps remain, starting with the $100,000 Shared Belief Stakes on Saturday at Del Mar. That 1 1/16-mile race, which pays Derby points on a 50-20-10-5 scale, is where Thousand Words will look to stamp his ticket to Churchill Downs.

Thousand Words was among six colts entered for the Shared Belief. The Pioneerof the Nile colt was joined by stablemates Cezzane and Uncle Chuck, though the latter will likely to be rerouted to the Grade 1 Travers on Aug. 8 at Saratoga; and Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner Honor A.P., the expected favorite.

Rounding out the field is Anneau d'Or, who trainer Blaine Wright said could instead wait for the Aug. 9 Ellis Park Derby; and Kiss Today Goodbye for trainer Eric Kruljac. 

Jason Loutsch of co-owner Albaugh Family Stables said Thousand Words needs “a breakthrough race” in the Shared Belief.

“We know it’s obviously a huge challenge running against (Honor A. P.), but we just need a good, solid, positive race,” said Loutsch, whose group campaigns Thousand Words alongside Spendthrift Farm. “He’s right on the cusp of taking that next step. We just hope it’s in the next couple of races here.”

Thousand Words started his career 3-for-3, including victories last December in the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) and in February’s Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita Park. He was then off the board a month later in Santa Anita’s San Felipe Stakes (G2) and in April’s Oaklawn Stakes.

The Florida-bred 3-year-old got a better result July 4 in the Los Alamitos Derby (G3), finishing second in a four-horse field. He’s turned in two timed works at Del Mar since that race, including a six-furlong move Saturday in 1:13.80.

Loutsch said Baffert has tinkered with Thousand Words’ running style, encouraging the colt to stay off the pace.

As for the Kentucky Derby, Loutsch confirmed Thousand Words will be there if he qualifies.

“Oh yeah, we’ll do it,” Loutsch said. “There’s no reason not to. We think the mile and a quarter is up his alley. Anything can happen in the Derby.”