Video: Brown talks Derby pair Sierra Leone, Domestic Product

Trainer Chad Brown is positive after Sierra Leone and Domestic Product, his pair of Kentucky Derby contenders, both worked Saturday morning. In company, the pair worked five furlongs in 1:00.2.

Sierra Leone, the likely second favorite for the Kentucky Derby, pleased Brown with his work. "He did exactly what I wanted him to do and he came back good so far," Brown said. "I want him to work a good five eighths, out three quarters, but well within himself. The horse is super fit and it was just an outstanding work."

"My rider, Chris Bonn, knows Sierra Leone so well, and everything has been going so perfect with that relationship there, I wasn't thinking of ever not having him work the horse. With Irad (Ortiz Jr.) having to go to New York to ride today he wasn't able to work Domestic Product. But, Tyler was perfect because he's ridden him before."

One concern about Sierra Leone was his behavior at the gate. He was difficult to load before his victory in the Blue Grass (G1), and Brown has done gate schooling since bringing the horse to Churchill Downs.

"He's visited the gate twice this week and he did really well. There's no need to take him back." He also allayed concerns about dealing with the Kentucky Derby crowd. "He's a very smart horse. He's a bit curious, you'll see him in the lane sometimes cock his head and look. But, we put a little blinker on him that seems to have solved most of that."

Overall, Brown is optimistic about Sierra Leone's chances in the Kentucky Derby, and has faith that his talent and class can take him far. "He's got a tremendous amount of power and endurance. He might not be the fastest horse early in his races, but once he gets moving it does seem like his strides are probably two to the horses next to him."