General’ Breezes at Churchill

J. Armando Rodriguez’s General a Rod (Roman Ruler) put in his first work at Churchill Downs yesterday in preparation for the GI Kentucky Derby May 3. The bay covered five panels in 1:03.40 with splits of :13, :26.20, :39 and a six-furlong gallop out in 1:17.60 under exercise rider Joel Barrientos. 
    “They’re all in good shape,” conditioner Mike Maker said of his three Derby contenders, General a Rod, Vicar’s In Trouble (Into Mischief) and Harry’s Holiday (Harlan’s Holiday). “General a Rod had a routine, maintenance work, so we’ll work him back in six days and go from there.” 
    Winner of the Gulfstream Park Derby, General a Rod was runner-up in the GII Fountain of Youth S. Feb. 22 and third when last seen in Hallandale in the GI Florida Derby Mar. 29.