Two Derby Runners Work at Churchill

Philip Birsh’s New York-bred Tencendur (Warrior’s Reward) and Donegal Racing’s Keen Ice (Curlin) both put in their final works ahead of the May 2 GI Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Saturday. 

GI TwinSpires.com Wood Memorial S. runner-up Tencendur breezed a best-of-67 five furlongs in 1:00 under Manny Franco, who will be aboard for the Derby. Working in company with 4-year-old allowance winner Wake Up in Malibu (Malibu Moon), the bay was clocked in fractions of :11.60, :23.40, :35.20 and :47.40 with a six-panel gallop-out in 1:14.40. 

“I wanted them to go in a minute and they did,” trainer George Weaver said. “He galloped out well and cooled out quick and he was dragging me around the barn wanting to play.” 

The conditioner added, “He will probably jog tomorrow, just some light exercise to see how he came out of the work.” 
Weaver also plans to school Tencendur in the paddock and gate prior to the Derby. 

“He has not had any issues,” Weaver said. “But with Derby Day, it can affect even the calmest horses.” 

Keen Ice, who moved up to number 20 on the Derby leader board Friday after the defection of Madefromlucky (Lookin at Lucky), covered five furlongs in 1:01.60 (15/67) under exercise rider Tammy Fox. The GII Louisiana Derby fourth-place finish registered splits of :11.80, :24 and :48.60, and galloped out six furlongs in 1:15.60. 

“We just wanted him to do whatever he wanted to do on his own,”‘ trainer Dale Romans said. “He’s not a real fast work horse by himself. So we didn’t want to put any company with him. We let him do his own thing. He had two really fast drills, got some long miles in him here. The heavy lifting is over.” 

The trainer added, “He was smooth doing everything. You saw what a beautiful stride he has. He swept to his right lead turning for home perfect. I told her, just smooch to him leaving there, just let him do whatever he wants. It ended up being just right.”