Chasing The Derby: Kentucky Derby contenders deal with sloppy Churchill track// Derby Trial PPs and previews// Tiz a Minister set for Snow Chief// more…

Summary:

Wednesday morning at Churchill Downs was predominantly wet and cool. By the time the 8:30am special training session opened the track was sealed and sloppy. Orb, Vyjack, Black Onyx, Mylute, Oxbow, Winning Cause, Normandy Invasion, Falling Sky, and Charming Kitten beat the rain by galloping early, while Verrazano, Palace Malice, Revolutionary, Overanalyze, and Govenor Charlie all endured the sloppy conditions. It was Orb’s first steps on the Churchill surface and Mike Welsch said he looked strong. Revolutionary was another standout for him. For comments on all of the gallopers you can see the DRF Clocker Report article and video linked below plus find other links to the actual gallops from Churchill Downs// Todd Pletcher said it will be at least until Sunday before he makes a decision on whether to run Winning Cause in the Derby. Pletcher is planning on breezing all six of his Derby contenders that day// 9 are set for the Derby Trial Stakes (G3) this Saturday at Churchill Downs. As expected, Titletown Five is among the starters with hopes of wheeling back one week later in the Derby. Links to PPs and previews can be found below// Tiz a Minister, currently #22 on the Derby standings, was entered in the Snow Chief Stakes at Hollywood Park. Trainer Paul Aguirre still maintains that Tiz a Minister will start in the Derby as long as he’s eligible// A reminder: there’s a separate page for the top 23 Kentucky Derby contenders that includes PPs, race replays, pedigree info, and more. Check out the “contenders” tab above or simply click here// more…

Articles:

Kentucky Derby update 4/24 (Churchill Downs)

Kentucky Derby workouts: Rain alters schedules [with Clocker Report video] (DRF)

Orb gets first taste of Churchill Downs (Courier Journal)

Govenor Charlie gallops at Churchill Downs 4/24 [video] (Churchill Downs)

Normandy Invasion gallops at Churchill Downs [video] (Churchill Downs)

Verrazano gallops at Churchill Downs [video] (Churchill Downs)

On the cusp ‘Minister’ heads for Snow Chief (Bloodhorse)

Kentucky Derby travel plans change with the times (DRF)

Pletcher: No quick decision on Winning Cause (Bloodhorse)

Point-Counterpoint: Palace Malice vs. Normandy Invasion (Horse Racing Nation)

Trainer Shug McGaughey on Orb [video] (DRF)