By Steve Sherack
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A 7:22 a.m. announcement over the PA system on the Churchill Downs backstretch welcomed Kentucky Oaks/Derby runners as well as Kentucky Derby winners to the track for a special 15-minute training window on a humid and overcast Tuesday morning.
With the surface in terrific condition and officially listed as fast despite torrential, late-night thunderstorms, last year's Kentucky Derby winner and physically imposing Horse of the Year Sovereignty (Into Mischief) showed this year's class how it's done with a powerful gallop to get things started.
His Bill Mott-trained stablemate and 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Chief Wallabee (Constitution) certainly lived up to the billing in the flesh after recording a pair of head-turning breezes with blinkers added beneath the Twin Spires. There's definitely plenty of buzz surrounding him.
Chief Wallabee | Sherackatthetrack
Chad Brown's unbeaten 'Rising Star' duo of Always a Runner (Gun Runner) (Oaks) and Emerging Market (Candy Ride {Arg}) (Derby) also caught the eye. The lightly raced pair have just four starts between them.
The Kentucky Derby program favorite Renegade (Into Mischief) was also out strutting his stuff for two-time Kentucky Derby- winning trainer Todd Pletcher during this timeframe as the backstretch was packed with media and fans.
The two Japanese-based Kentucky Derby runners turned in half-mile works during the session as well.
Undefeated Fukuryu S. winner Danon Bourbon (Maxfield) worked a half-mile in :52.80, posting a final quarter-mile in :24.20. He finished up his final furlong in :12.60.
Wonder Dean (Jpn) (Dee Majesty {Jpn}) worked a half-mile in :54.60, getting his final quarter-mile in :26.40. The G2 UAE Derby winner also worked six furlongs in 1:17.80 here on Friday.
“My goal in life is to be some American trainer's worst nightmare, to bring over a Japanese horse that's going to ruin Kentucky Derby day, so I apologize in advance,” Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby liaison Kate Hunter said with a laugh.
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