Kentucky Derby Competitors Grasp Freedom, Endless, Mystik Dan, General Defense Works at Churchill Downs
The 150th GI Kentucky Derby is just three weeks away. Seize freedom (Structure), endless (Oscar achievement), Mystik Dan (Goldencents) and common defense (Karakontie {Jpn}) continues to train towards the Run for the Roses with workouts announced Saturday morning at Churchill Downs.
Shortly after the track opened at 5:30 a.m., GII TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby winner Catching Freedom was the first Derby contender to succeed when he soloed the half-mile in :48 (14/123).
“He's been training very consistently over the last five, six weeks,” coach Brad Cox said. “We've had him work alone a few times recently and he's done really well. I could tell the track was a bit heavy this morning but he still got through well. His last two jobs have been pretty easy and we'll see how things go in the next two weeks with what we do before the Derby.”
A few minutes later, GIII Southwest S. winner and third GI Arkansas Derby winner Mystik Dan went half a mile in :48 (14/123) with jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr.
“He finished a creditable third last time in the Arkansas Derby,” said trainer Ken McPeek. “I think he got a lot out of that race and showed he handled it well in training afterwards.”
After a 7:30 a.m. track renovation, GIII winner Jeff Ruby Steaks covered the half-mile in :49 (54/123) inside his stablemate's Lost Treasure {Ire}. coached by his Michael McCarthy. Endless can compete in the Kentucky Derby or GII American Turf S.
Common Defense, runner-up in the GII Rebel S., gave McPeek an easy half-mile in :49.40 (65/123). Common Defense currently needs two defectors to create a field of 20.
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This story was posted in Top news and tagged Brad Cox, Seize freedom, Churchill Downs, common defense, endless, Ken McPeek, Kentucky Derby, Mystik Dan.
