2018 Kentucky Derby workout report for March 4

The March 3 Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park shook up the Kentucky Derby Leaderboard, but it proved to be the lone prep last week after the Road to the Derby Conditions Stakes at Kempton and Dundalk’s Patton Stakes were both postponed due to a winter storm that resulted in a snow-covered England and Ireland.

The former will now take place March 7 and the latter has been rescheduled for March 9.

FREE Brisnet Past Performances of 2018 Triple Crown nominees

(Workers in Leaderboard order)

Bravazo (54 Derby Points) – Calumet Farm homebred breezed a half-mile in :49 over the good track at Oaklawn Park on February 26; D. Wayne Lukas-trained dark bay colt expected to return to Fair Grounds, site of his 21-1 upset of the February 17 Risen Star Stakes (G2), for the Louisiana Derby (G2) on March 24.

Firenze Fire (24) – Jason Servis pupil breezed four furlongs in company over Belmont Park’s fast dirt training track on March 4 in :50.69; final major move by bay colt ahead of Aqueduct’s Gotham Stakes (G3) on March 10; Mr. Amore Stable homebred won the Jerome Stakes and finished second in the Withers Stakes (G3) in his past two starts at Aqueduct; Servis said, “He doesn’t get much respect sometimes. He’s kind of a Rodney Dangerfield, I don’t get it.”

McKinzie (20) – Bay colt logged seven furlongs in 1:23.80 working in company over Santa Anita Park’s fast main track on March 4; trainer Bob Baffert said bay colt went “very well” in his last major work for the March 10 San Felipe Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita.

Bolt d’Oro (14) – Kentucky-bred colt traveled a bullet six furlongs in 1:12 from the gate in company over Santa Anita Park’s fast dirt on February 26 and is set to work again March 5 for owner/trainer Mick Ruis; dual Grade 1 winner scheduled for belated sophomore bow in the San Felipe Stakes (G2) on March 10.

Free Drop Billy (14) – Dale Romans trainee breezed five furlongs in 1:02.55 over Gulfstream Park’s fast dirt on March 3 after scratching from that day’s Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2); now headed to Gotham Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct on March 10.

Solomini (14) – Chestnut colt clocked six furlongs in a bullet 1:11.40 over Santa Anita Park’s fast main track on March 4; Bob Baffert charge skipping March 10 San Felipe Stakes (G2), and face-off with stablemate McKinzie, in favor of Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park on March 17.

Catholic Boy (14) – Grade 2 victor recorded an unofficial half-mile move in :48.40 at Bridlewood Farm in Ocala, Florida, on March 3; trainer Jonathan Thomas said the March 24 Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds, March 31 Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park and April 7 Wood Memorial (G2) at Aqueduct are all under consideration for his trainee.

The last two in the above list sit in 11th and 12th, respectively, on the Derby Leaderboard, but have upcoming races and/or recent works. The five members of the Kentucky Derby Leaderboard Top 10 listed below have either not worked or are exiting a recent race.

Promises Fulfilled (52) – Once-beaten chestnut moved from 32nd on the Kentucky Derby Leaderboard to the number 2 slot with an 18-1 upset in Gulfstream Park’s Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) on March 3; Dale Romans trainee now targeting Florida Derby (G1) at that venue on March 31.

Good Magic (34) – Breeders’ Cup champion finished third as 3-5 favorite in his long-awaited return in the March 3 Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park.

Snapper Sinclair (22) – Bay colt targeting March 24 Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds following tough nose second in Risen Star Stakes (G2) over track on February 17 for trainer Steve Asmussen.

Strike Power (20) – Chestnut colt, who wired the Swale Stakes (G3) on February 3, suffered his first career loss when runner-up throughout the March 3 Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park; trainer Mark Hennig indicated the Florida Derby (G1) on March 31 is a good target.

Instilled Regard (19) – Jerry Hollendorfer trainee could return to Fair Grounds for March 24 Louisiana Derby (G2) or stay in California for April 7 Santa Anita Derby (G1); dark bay colt captured the January 13 Lecomte Stakes (G3) and finished fourth most recently in the February 17 Risen Star Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds.