Rebel winner Coal Battle got in a half-mile breeze in :48.40 Tuesday morning at Churchill Downs. (Shelby Layne Ridgway/Coady Media)
Two races remain on the Road to the Kentucky Derby
Derby Update
LOUISVILLE, Ky.– Two days after shipping in from Arkansas, Norman Stables’ Coal Battle began his preparation for the $5 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I) with a half-mile breeze in :48.40 Tuesday morning at Churchill Downs.
With trainer Lonnie Briley’s assistant, Bethany Taylor, aboard, Coal Battle clicked off an opening quarter-mile in :24 and galloped out five furlongs in 1:02.40, according to clocker Adam Wallace.
“He was too fresh in the Arkansas Derby,” Briley said. “I usually never have to saddle him on the walk, but I had to do that day. Then after he broke, and Cornucopian and Speed King went blazing to the lead, we were in third. He was just too fresh. We have a plan now going forward for the Derby to get him in the right place.
“It was a long drive getting to Churchill but we’re getting settled in. He’s a pretty laid-back horse. If he’s not lying down, he’s usually at the back of his stall just relaxing. He knows when it’s game time.”
Coal Battle, who is based in Barn 42, arrived at Churchill Downs around 6 p.m. Sunday with three stablemates, Dashin’ Diva, Go Captain and True Passion, who are also scheduled to race during Kentucky Derby Week.
Briley confirmed Juan Vargas will ride Coal Battle in the Kentucky Derby.
Among Coal Battle’s travel partners is Go Captain, a @KYDownsRacing maiden winner targeting a return in this year’s $2 million Turf Sprint. His next start could be a @keenelandracing allowance.
He breezed a bullet in :58 4/5 this morning. One to watch as he gets back on grass. pic.twitter.com/leXkKqXQYo
Two races remain on the Road to the Kentucky Derby: Tuesday’s $1.25 million Blue Grass (GI) and Saturday’s $400,000 Lexington (GIII) at Keeneland. Six horses currently ranked among the top 17 point earners are based at Churchill Downs: Coal Battle, Final Gambit, Flying Mohawk, Publisher, Sandman and Tiztastic. …
TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (GII) runner-up Chunk of Gold continues his Derby preparations at Turfway Park. The Ethan West trainee breezed an easy half-mile in :51 on Saturday. West said Chunk of Gold is scheduled to ship to Churchill Downs on Friday, April 25. …
Journalism scoring the Santa Anita Derby. (Ernie Belmonte/Past The Wire)
Trainer Michael McCarthy reported that Santa Anita Derby (GI) winner Journalism is scheduled to return to the track at Santa Anita Wednesday. McCarthy is in Kentucky through Saturday’s Lexington Stakes, where he’ll saddle potential Preakness Stakes (GI) candidate Bullard. “He’s on his way to Kentucky right now,” McCarthy said Tuesday morning. “He got sick on us this winter, but he’s gotten back on track since then and we’ll have to see what’s in the cards after Saturday’s race. If he runs well, it could set him up for a race like the Preakness.” …
A flight is scheduled to arrive in Louisville on Wednesday from Dubai, carrying horses who competed on the Dubai World Cup Night card at Meydan. Details on which horses are aboard will be available soon. …
Florida Derby (GI) winner Tappan Street is scheduled to breeze Friday at Payson Park in South Florida, according to trainer Brad Cox. His Fair Grounds Oaks (GII) winner Good Cheer is set to breeze Thursday at Churchill Downs. …
Ashland Stakes (GI) runner-up Take Charge Milady returned to Churchill Downs on Tuesday to begin preparations for the $1.5 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI). …
Nominations for Kentucky Derby Week stakes races close Wednesday. For more information, visit www.churchilldowns.com/horsemen.
The best part of Tracking Trips is. P6K doesn't chase bets that aren't there, just to give you a play. Only gives quality selections and always states he is a second set of eyes. You as the bettor needs to make the final decision.
