Derby/ Oaks Report April 29

April 29

Whitmore 24 35:3 1.00 gallop out (g/o) 1.14

Smallish size colt proved best while working inside of workmate in first Derby work of the morning. He has shown ability at Oaklawn but the jury is still out on him being a 1 1/4 mile colt.

My Man Sam 25:3 49:3 g/o 1.02:1 1.14:4

Standard modern day "final work" as he worked outside of workmate and went on his own. The gallop out was good, he appears to be a stayer but the lack of pace could compromise him and many other deep closers in this year's edition.

Outwork 13 37:2 1.01 g/o 1.13:3

The "work of the day" as far as this observer saw it. This massive colt broke about a length behind Azar and blew him away down the lane with Johnny V just sitting still. He worked behind horses nicely in his last work, according to those who witnessed it, and followed it up with a very good drill today.

Destin 12:3 24:4 37:2 49:3 1.01:2 g/o 1.14:1 1.27:2

Worked outside of recent impressive allowance winner Stradaveri and proved best despite appearing to lose some focus past the wire. He did not get washy as he has been known to do in the past, and bested a top prospect. Given 8 weeks since his last race by design, he gives Pletcher another contender in the Derby.

Mohaymen 12:3 23:4 47:2 g/o 1.00:4

2 months ago he was the "flavor of the month" but after a woeful effort in the Fla Derby he has been dropped like a hot potato. He is certainly not a stout horse and was pulling going to the pole today. His ears were laid straight back as usual, and while I believe there is talent there, I don't care for him next Saturday.

Majesto 12:4 24:4 36:4 1.01:2

Was the final work of the morning of Derby horses. There was no smell of roses in the air as he past the Twin Spires....

Sudddenbreakingnews 35:2 59:3 g/o 1.13 1.28

This colt would get my 1st runner up to Outwork as far as today's works. He was equipped with a shadow roll and looked very nice throughout. He's another one that could be affected by a seemingly moderate pace picture but I couldn't knock this work.

Mo Tom 12:1 24:2 48:3 g/o 1.02:1 1.15:2

Tall narrow colt has been a victim of 2 well publicized trips recently and looked decent in a "not so serious" looking drill. Before he got stopped in his last race, he was moving with picture perfect action coming around the turn. One of many 10-1 and up types that have some sort of look.

Shagaf 24:1 47:4 g/o 1.00:1

Just when everybody, myself included, was ready to bail on him he comes with a pretty darn good Derby work. Maybe he didn't like the track at Aqu, maybe he's just starting to figure things out, maybe we are all confused by a horse that has been highly thought of for a long time by his connectios. He went good today.

Fellowship 12:1 23:3 35:2 47 g/o 1.00

Much the best beating an overmatched workmate. He will need a defection to crack the starting 20. I'm still trying to figure out why Stanley Gold got the ax as his trainer...

Lewis Bay 24:1 36:3 49 g/o 1.01:4 1.14

This filly worked very nice and figures to be one of the many possible beneficiaries of Songbird's absence.

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