Thursday’s Trackside Report: Almost Game Time

By Steve Sherack

An overcast and misty morning scared few away from the Churchill Downs backstretch Thursday. With the parking lot already quite occupied adjacent the Gate 10 entrance nearly an hour before the private training session for Derby/Oaks horses, the crowd, although not nearly as mighty as it was a day ago, was pretty well-spread throughout the backside. 

Eclipse Thoroughbred’s Aron Wellman chatted with a group by the gap recalling the walkover for last year’s Derby with Danza (Street Boss) and the GI Arkansas Derby winner’s namesake, actor Tony Danza. The lightly raced chestnut ran well in defeat to finish a solid third. 

Morning-line odds maker Mike Battaglia was spotted making the rounds while the Derby runners began to hit the track as the sky began to get a bit brighter behind the grandstand and iconic Twin Spires. 

Dortmund (Big Brown) and American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile) entered the track like they owned the place–nothing new there–while Tencendur (Warrior’s Reward) briefly set up shop near the clubhouse turn to take in the scenery. 

El Kabeir (Scat Daddy) and Frosted (Tapit) may of had onlookers seeing double as the two grays, both piloted by exercise riders wearing blue, galloped by in rapid-fire succession. 

Firing Line (Line of David) hugged the rail nicely while rounding the clubhouse turn. There’s certainly been plenty of buzz about him–and rightfully so–since his arrival from Southern California earlier this week. Danzig Moon (Malibu Moon) also appears to be heading into the race sitting on a big effort based on his physical appearance. Fantastic jobs by their two trainers Simon Callaghan and Mark Casse. 

After working for dual Classic winner California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit) in 2014, fellow chestnut War Story (Northern Afleet) was also sporting a nasal strip for his morning preparations. Can’t hurt, right? 

It was nearly impossible to miss jockey Christophe Soumillon aboard Mubtaahij (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). The Belgian, sporting a bright orange windbreaker and bright yellow gloves, will partner the G2 UAE Derby hero for the second straight time Saturday. The long trip hasn’t seemed to take anything out of him at this point. Longshot stretch-runners Keen Ice (Curlin) and Far Right (Notional) also caught the eye during their trackwork Thursday as well. 

Carpe Diem (Giant’s Causeway), a bit unlucky at Wednesday’s draw, hasn’t missed a beat all week and still had a pretty nice bounce in his step while exiting by the chute at 8:50 a.m. Trainer Todd Pletcher and WinStar’s Elliott Walden chatted back at the barn, where NFL veteran defensive tackle and Super Bowl champ Vince Wilfork was also on hand. 

Former jockey Jean Cruguet, who, of course, guided home the great Seattle Slew to a sweep in the 1977 Triple Crown, was also seen taking in the action on the backstretch. Is this finally the year? It certainly feels like something special is about to happen here in Louisville, that’s for sure.