Derby Workouts

[MNslappy]

Originally Posted by depalma113

Revolutionary was trained to come up the rail, but his changing of leads in the stretch was not professional at all.

I dont know what to think of that, because he did it in the Withers and I think he did it in the LA derby too.

[CincyHorseplayer]

Originally Posted by MNslappy

I dont know what to think of that, because he did it in the Withers and I think he did it in the LA derby too.

Yeah I didn't see any noticeable problem either.If you have to look hard to see what might be there,it might not be!

[Striker]

Originally Posted by MNslappy

I dont know what to think of that, because he did it in the Withers and I think he did it in the LA derby too.

Looked to me like he was on his right lead the entire stretch in the LA Derby

[menifee]

Oxbow's Work today:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XY5WXO7MTY

Not a big fan of this horse, but thought the work was ok

Code West who is doubtful for the Derby worked as well:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnoLJ0Q7Ykw

Here is the end of Will Take Charge's work from 4/21:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4E1ALEqPtM

Jill Byrne's analysis of the works from 4/21 and 4/22.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpkoq...pKhMSA&index=2

Your thoughts appreciated

[redshift1]

Looking at Oxbow does he enter the stretch on his left lead and finish on the right?

[iceknight]

Originally Posted by menifee

Oxbow's Work today:

Jill Byrne's analysis of the works from 4/21 and 4/22.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpkoq...pKhMSA&index=2

Your thoughts appreciated

thanks for posting! I think bad workout are a good indicator for the tosses, but good works don't always mean they could do great in the race. So far, I am a fan of Revolutionary and the fact that Borail is on him, makes him a solid contender.

[SharpCat]

Originally Posted by redshift1

Looking at Oxbow does he enter the stretch on his left lead and finish on the right?

Oxbow was on his right lead down the backside and his first several strides on the far turn before switching to his left lead. He switched to his right lead at the top of the stretch and switched back to his left lead right on cue as he entered the first turn. It was a solid work.

[depalma113]

Originally Posted by CincyHorseplayer

Yeah I didn't see any noticeable problem either.If you have to look hard to see what might be there,it might not be!

He was changing leads in his workout. It wasn't hard to see at all.

[sammy the sage]

IHA's work-out lead changes last year were terrible....

[theguarantee]

Personally, thought the Verrazano workout was awesome. Maybe not in the traditional sense but for how they want him to run in the derby I think he's really starting to get it...proving very handy. Thought revolutionary and Normandy looked plenty good. Oxbow looks like the same oxbow, I expect him to contest the pace, lose ground on the turn, make a bit of another move in the stretch and ultimately fall short. Will take charge looks really good to me and I think will get the distance. Ridiculously early thoughts of course....all of the girls working for the oaks looked very impressive heard Jill said princess of sylmar was unimpressive, haven't come across that video yet though

[Tom]

Anyone have any stats on horses who do not work at CD prior to the derby?

[Striker]

Originally Posted by Tom

Anyone have any stats on horses who do not work at CD prior to the derby?

24 of the last 26 winners of the Kentucky Derby have had at least 1 workout over the Churchill surface before the KD. The 2 that didn't were Giacomo and Funny Cide.

[lamboguy]

Originally Posted by Striker

24 of the last 26 winners of the Kentucky Derby have had at least 1 workout over the Churchill surface before the KD. The 2 that didn't were Giacomo and Funny Cide.

if FUNNYCIDE didn't work before the Belmont, he might have won that race too!

[chadk66]

as a bystander I don't put much stock in works. if you know the horse well and know his workout routine then it means something. the three or four best horses I had were poor workers in the morning. they just weren't interested unless you stuck em in a gate. I had a couple that could bullet work anytime you asked them too and then couldn't outrun a fat lady in the afternoon.

[horses4courses]

Originally Posted by chadk66

as a bystander I don't put much stock in works. if you know the horse well and know his workout routine then it means something. the three or four best horses I had were poor workers in the morning. they just weren't interested unless you stuck em in a gate. I had a couple that could bullet work anytime you asked them too and then couldn't outrun a fat lady in the afternoon.

I agree, with a few exceptions.

Horses that usually are good morning workers on other tracks, but appear to struggle a little on the CD surface during works up to the Derby have to be questionable as contenders. These situations don't occur often, but reputable clockers can sometimes spot this.

Nicely measured works that aren't run too quickly are a plus. This is where a horse is well held, and finishes full of energy. You have to like those but, again, only a well-trained eye (preferably one who has watched that horse in the past) can be trusted in judging this.

And, lastly, I don't like horses that blaze huge bullet works a week to ten days before the race. They are, often, throw outs for me unless it seems a normal pattern (seldom the case). Most times, a trainer will throw fits if a work rider allows this to happen - and for good reason.

Bottom line - works don't usually mean a heck of a lot.
Just as long as the horse has been able to stretch his legs regularly, and has looked reasonably good doing it.