Coach Steve Asmussen sent GI Kentucky Derby and GI Kentucky Oaks hopes to work at Churchill Downs on Sunday morning. Winchell Thoroughbreds’ Derby Candidates Epicenter (Not this time) worked six feathers in 1:12.20 (3/4), while Oaks hoped Echo Zulu (Gunman) traveled the same distance in the 1:11.80 (1/4) bullet.
With gymnast Wilson Fabian in the saddle, the Echo Zulu broke into the interior of his frequent work friend the Ottoman King (Curlin), who was ridden by former equestrian Eddie Martin, Jr. Echo Zulu worked through the eighth mileage of: 12.20, :23.80, :35.60 and :47.40. According to Churchill Downs watchman John Nichols, she galloped out seven feathers in 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Epicenter, with Fabian in the iron, was operating outside of Gun It (Tapit) and Martin through sections :13, :24.40, :35.80 and :47.20. He galloped out seven stretches in 1:26.20 and one mile in 1:41.
“We are delighted that the weather has cooperated during our scheduled working days. The track was in excellent condition this morning,” said Asmussen. “These are the works that are most important to us. We are following a pattern that we are very comfortable with. I love the rhythm of these horses. Both of these horses have kept their fellow ponies from New Orleans this winter. I really appreciate the work Wilson and Eddie have done to help bring them to this point.
“Both started off as great individuals and prospects. We are aiming for step-by-step improvement so as not to make a single leap forward. So everything is a building block for success. Since they arrived here at Churchill, that trend has continued. I’m excited for the first Echo Zulu work here. ”
Japan’s Derby Candidate Crown Pride (Jpn) (Crown {Jpn}), winner of the UAE Derby, had a four-point run at: 49.20 (35/58) under Twin Spiers at 7:30 a.m. Sunday. Working from the three-feather pole, he clicked on fractions of: 12.40, :24.80 and :37.20 and galloped out to five stakes in 1:01.40.
Klaravich’s barn Vote early (Gunman), considered possible for the Derby, worked four cushions at: 49.92 (44/118) on the training track at Belmont Saturday. GIII winner Withers S., who has had all three careers kick off at the Aqueduct, placed second in the April 9 GII Wood Memorial.
“The job went well,” said coach Chad Brown. “He made it easy. This is his first work back and he’s made good progress. We have yet to make any final decisions on what we are doing in the Derby, but I would like to speak to Mr. [Seth] Klarman on it this afternoon a little more. “
Works at Keeneland Sunday, candidate of Oaks Yugiri (Shackleford) worked five pairs of trousers at the company in 1:01.60 (October 20). She stopped at the half-mile pole and recorded the fractions as: 24.20 and: 48.40. Jockey Flavien Prat was on board to do the job, impressing Florent Geroux, a mount of the Oaks. Prat G3 UAE Oaks Horse Race Winner Shahama (Munnings) at Churchill Downs May 6.
“She made it so easy,” Prat said. “I am very happy with the job.”
This is the second work since Yuugiri won the GIII Fantasy S on April 2.
Coach Rodolphe Brisset’s wife, Brooke, oversees work for her husband, who is traveling back from Oaklawn.
“We got what we wanted this morning,” she said, adding that Yuugiri will be working at Keeneland again next Sunday morning.
Also on Sunday, Asmussen eliminated GIII winner Gotham S. Morelo (Classic Empire) from considering Derby due to foot problems, allowing the GII Louisiana Derby to finish in third place Medina’s Pioneers (Pioneer on the Nile) to make the top 20 in Derby, and GI winner Jeff Drown’s Toyota Blue Grass S. Zandon (Start up) went to Churchill Downs one day after working four furs at: 48.60 (24/93) at Keeneland.
