Kentucky Derby Notes and Workouts for 4/25/22
Pioneer of Medina Works; Classic Causeway Back Into Derby Contention
(Edited Press Release)
Sumaya U.S.Stables’ Pioneer of Medina, third-place finisher in the Louisiana Derby (G2) in his most recent start, tuned up for a possible start in Kentucky Derby 148 by working five furlongs in company in :59.80 over a fast track on a cloudy morning at Churchill Downs on April 25.
Trained by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher, Pioneer of Medina is 21ston the Road to the Kentucky Derby leaderboard for the Run for the Roses that is limited to the top 20-point earners that pass the entry box next Monday, May 2.
Trainer Brian Lynch initially said Classic Causeway would bypass the Kentucky Derby after the colt finished eleventh in the April 2 Florida Derby (G1).
Working during the special training session reserved for Kentucky Derby and Oaks hopefuls between 7:30-7:45 and working with maiden winnerMacallan, Pioneer of Medina posted eighth of a mile fractions of :12.60, :24.40, :35.60, :47.80 and :59.80 and galloped out in 1:12.60, 1:25.40 and 1:40.20.
“You can use all the trainer clichés you want,” Pletcher said. “We saw what we wanted to see. It was very good, well executed with a strong finish and he galloped out well.”
Pioneer of Medina finished fourth and third behind possible Kentucky Derby favoriteEpicenterat Fair Grounds in his past two starts in the Risen Star (G2) and Louisiana Derby.
“I’ll talk it over with Mr. (Oussama) Aboughazale and we’ll see how he comes out of the work and make a decision,” Pletcher said. “He got a good breeze over the track and he has the opportunity to draw in.”
Shortly after the track opened at 5:15, Briland Farm’s Secret Oath worked six furlongs on her own in 1:13 with jockey Luis Saez aboard for trainer D. Wayne Lukas.
Fractions on the work were :24.20, :36, :48, 1:00, 1:13 and out seven furlongs in 1:28.20.
Jeff Drown’s Blue Grass Stakes (G1) winner Zandon made his first appearance at Churchill Downs Monday at 9:40 a.m. Zandon shipped to Louisville Sunday morning from Keeneland.
The Upstart colt worked a half-mile in :48.80 Saturday at Keeneland.
“It looked like he was galloping through the lane,’ trainer Chad Brown said, who was on hand to oversee his string of horses Monday at Churchill Downs. “It was a super move. I really just wanted to stretch his legs and evaluate how he’s moving and maintaining where he’s at.”
