Longshot GI Kentucky Derby hopeful Lani (Tapit) turned in another unorthodox piece of work at Churchill Downs Wednesday, as he breezed a green three furlongs in :37.40 (5/8) (click for video). Working under regular rider Yutaka Take during the 8:30 – 8:45 a.m. training period reserved for Derby and GI Kentucky Oaks contenders, the last-out G2 UAE Derby hero began his work at the 3/8 pole. He was clocked in :14 flat for his first furlong, and galloped out four furlongs in :50.60.
“He was a little shy to start, but after the quarter pole we got a good gallop for two furlongs,” Take said via interpreter Keita Tanaka, the agent for owner Yoko Maeda. “It was supposed to be five furlongs, but he wanted to stop. Back home in Japan he has done that before, so it is not a concern.”
Take has ridden Lani in five of his six previous starts, which included a win in Tokyo's Cattleya Sho last November, but a disappointing fifth in that venue's Hyacinth S. in February prior to his UAE Derby upset Mar. 26.
“His temperament is that he is not willing to run always,” Take said. “If he does [want to run], he has a big chance [in the Derby].”
The veteran Take, probably the Japanese jockey best known internationally, finished 14th in the 1995 Kentucky Derby aboard Ski Captain. Wednesday was the first time he had been at Churchill since the 2000 Breeders' Cup.
“That was schooling for me. It was a good experience,” Take said. “For all riders, it is extremely difficult to ride in the Derby and I know how precious it is. It is one of my biggest ambitions [to win the Derby] and to have a horse here is exciting.”
Take is expected to return to Japan Thursday, and will be back in Louisville next Friday.
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