HIGHLY MOTIVATED WORKS AT KEENELAND; OAKS FILLIES CLAIRIERE, PAULINE’S PEARL WORK AT CHURCHILL

By Darren Rogers —-

LOUISVILLE, KY (Sunday, April 18, 2021) – With less than two weeks remaining until the first Saturday in May, Klaravich Stable’s homebred Highly Motivated, the runner-up to Essential Quality in the $800,000 Blue Grass (Grade II) worked a half-mile in :47.20 at Keeneland prior to his Monday arrival at Churchill Downs.

In Lousiville, Stonestreet Stables’ Fantasy Stakes (GIII) winner Pauline’s Pearl worked five furlongs in 1:00.40 early Saturday morning beneath the Twin Spires. Her stablemate Clairiere, the winner of the Rachel Alexandra Stakes (GII), worked five furlongs in 1:00.80 at 7:30 a.m. (all times Eastern).

Sunday was the second day of the exclusive Derby and Oaks training session from 7:30-7:45 a.m. Monday will start the live broadcast of the Morning Works Show presented by TwinSpires.com. Fans can watch a livestream of Derby and Oaks training on the Kentucky Derby social media channels and on www.kentuckyderby.com/works.

BOURBONIC, DYNAMIC ONE, KNOWN AGENDA, SAINTHOOD – Trainer Todd Pletcher’s squad of four Kentucky Derby contenders Bourbonic, Dynamic One, Known Agenda and Sainthood continue to train toward the first Saturday in May. All four are scheduled to have one additional work next weekend at Churchill Downs.

CADDO RIVER, ESSENTIAL QUALITY, MANDALOUN – Godolphin’s Kentucky Derby favorite Essential Quality and Juddmonte Farm’s Mandaloun had a scheduled walk day following their Saturday morning works at Churchill Downs.

Shortleaf Stable’s Arkansas Derby (GI) runner-up Caddo River galloped about 1 ½ miles at 5:15 a.m. Sunday morning. His Kentucky Derby status remains undecided.

Trainer Brad Cox is expected to return to Louisville on Monday.

DREAM SHAKE – Exline-Border Racing, SAF Racing and Richard Hausman’s Santa Anita Derby (GI) third-place finisher Dream Shake worked five furlongs in :59.20 Saturday. The colt is scheduled to make his next start in the Derby or Pat Day Mile (GII).

GET HER NUMBER – Gary Barber’s fourth-place Arkansas Derby finisher Get Her Number returned to Southern California following his fourth-place effort in the Arkansas Derby.

There are currently three scheduled flights from Southern California to Louisville over the next 10 days – Friday, April 23, Sunday, April 25 and Tuesday, April 27.

HELIUM, SOUP AND SANDWICH – D J Stable’s Tampa Bay Derby (GII) winner Helium jogged one-mile Sunday at Churchill Downs while Live Oak Plantation’s Soup and Sandwich had a scheduled walk day.

Soup and Sandwich worked five furlongs in :59.80 Saturday at Churchill Downs while Helium breezed five furlongs from the gate in 1:01.80 Friday.

HIDDEN STASH – BBN Racing’s Hidden Stash, the fourth-place finisher in the Blue Grass, is scheduled to arrive Derby Week from trainer Vicki Oliver’s Keeneland base. The colt will be stabled in Barn 17.

HIGHLY MOTIVATED – Klaravich Stable’s Blue Grass (GII) runner-up Highly Motivated recorded a bullet half-mile move in :47.20 with stablemate Founder Sunday morning at Keeneland. It was the fastest of 27 horses at the distance.

Trained by Chad Brown, Highly Motivated is scheduled to van to Churchill Downs Monday. Brown is slated to arrive later in the week.

HOT ROD CHARLIE – Roadrunner Racing, Boat Racing and Strauss Bros Racing’s Hot Rod Charlie is scheduled to arrive at Churchill Downs from Southern California on Sunday, April 25, according to senior director of the stable area Steve Hargrave.

The Doug O’Neill trained TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (GII) winner worked six furlongs in 1:14.20 Saturday at Santa Anita.

Hot Rod Charlie is scheduled to arrive at Churchill Downs with O’Neill’s trusty retired racehorse turned pony Lava Man.

LIKE THE KING – M Racing Group’s Jeff Ruby Steaks (GIII) winner Like the King recorded a six-furlong breeze in 1:12.80 Saturday at Keeneland.

Trained by Wesley Ward, the three-time winner is tentatively scheduled to arrive Derby Week at Churchill Downs.

MEDINA SPIRIT – Zedan Racing Stable’s Grade III winner Medina Spirit worked five furlongs in 1:00 Saturday at Santa Anita.

Trainer Bob Baffert tentatively has three options for Medina Spirit’s arrival to Churchill Downs – Friday, April 23, Sunday, April 25 and Tuesday, April 27, according to Hargrave.

MIDNIGHT BOURBON, SUPER STOCK – Winchell Thoroughbreds’ multiple graded stakes placed colt Midnight Bourbon along with Erv Woolsey and Keith Asmussen’s upset Arkansas Derby (GI) hero Super Stock galloped about 1 3/8 miles at 6:45 a.m. Sunday at Churchill Downs.

Midnight Bourbon is scheduled to work Monday at Churchill Downs while Super Stock would work next weekend, according to Asmussen.

O BESOS – Barrett Bernard, Tagg Team Racing and West Point Thoroughbreds’ Louisiana Derby (GII) third-place finisher O Besos had a light gallop Sunday at 7:30 a.m. for trainer Greg Foley.

The Orb colt is scheduled to have one more breeze prior to the Derby early next week.

ROCK YOUR WORLD – Hronis Racing and David Michael Talla’s Rock Your World will have a new jockey for the Kentucky Derby with Joel Rosario.

Trained by John Sadler, Rock Your World won the Santa Anita Derby (GI) with Umberto Rispoli in the saddle but the team opted to switch to Rosario.

Rock Your World is scheduled to arrive at Churchill Downs Sunday, April 25.

ALSO ELIGIBLES:

KING FURY – Fern Circle Stables and Three Chimneys’ Farm’s Lexington Stakes winner King Fury will make his next start in the Kentucky Derby or Preakness (GI), according to trainer Kenny McPeek.

The Curlin colt is stabled in Barn 7 at Churchill Downs.

KEEPMEINMIND – Spendthrift Farm, Cypress Creek and Arnold Bennewith’s Kentucky Jockey Club (GII) winner Keepmeinmind breezed five furlongs in 1:00.60 Saturday at Keeneland and vanned to Churchill Downs Sunday.

Trained by Robertino Diodoro, Keepmeinmind is stabled in Barn 46.

STARRININMYDREAMS – Stewart Racing and WinStar Farm’s third-place Lexington Stakes finisher Starrininmydreams is probable to enter the Pat Day Mile but could run in the Derby if there are enough defections, according to co-owner and trainer Dallas Stewart.

SHAPING UP: THE KENTUCKY DERBY – Likely starters in the 147th running of the $3 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I) for 3-year-olds at 1 1/4 miles on Saturday, May 1 in order of preference (with possible jockey and trainer): Essential Quality (Luis Saez, Brad Cox); Hot Rod Charlie (Flavien Prat, Doug O’Neill); Super Stock (Ricardo Santana Jr., Steve Asmussen); Like the King (Drayden Van Dyke, Wesley Ward); Known Agenda (Irad Ortiz, Todd Pletcher); Rock Your World (Joel Rosario, John Sadler); Bourbonic (Kendrick Carmouche, Todd Pletcher); Medina Spirit (John Velazquez, Bob Baffert); Midnight Bourbon (Mike Smith, Steve Asmussen); Mandaloun (Florent Geroux, Brad Cox); Highly Motivated (Javier Castellano); Helium (Julien Leparoux, Mark Casse); Soup and Sandwich (Tyler Gaffalione, Mark Casse); Dynamic One (Jose Ortiz, Todd Pletcher); Sainthood (TBA, Todd Pletcher); Hidden Stash (Rafael Bejarano, Vicki Oliver); Dream Shake (TBA, Peter Eurton); O Besos (Marcelino Pedroza, Greg Foley); and Get Her Number (TBA, Peter Miller);

Possible starters within the Top 20 on the preference list: Caddo River (TBA, Brad Cox).

Next up in order of preference: King Fury (Brian Hernandez Jr.); Keepmeinmind (David Cohen, Robertino Diodoro); Starrininmydreams (TBA, Dallas Stewart).

Out of race: Rebel’s Romance (IRE) (June 5 Belmont Stakes); Greatest Honour (rest); Life Is Good (ankle chip); Weyburn (May 8 Peter Pan); Panadol; Crowded Trade (May 8 Peter Pan or May 15 Preakness); Proxy; Rombauer (May 15 Preakness); Drain the Clock (shorter distances); New Treasure (IRE); Hozier; Hockey Dad; Spielberg (rest); and Jackie’s Warrior (May 1 Pat Day Mile).

LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS UPDATE – Stonestreet Stables’ graded stakes-winning duo of Clariere and Pauline’s Pearl logged their penultimate works Sunday at Churchill Downs prior to the $1.25 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI).

Pauline’s Pearl was the first of the two Oaks contenders to work Sunday morning when she breezed five furlongs in 1:00.40 inside of Abrogate. The duo began their work through eighth-mile fractions of :13, :25.20, :36.60 and :48.40 before a six-furlong gallop out in 1:13.40, according to Churchill Downs clocker John Nichols.

Two hours later, Clairiere worked five furlongs in 1:00.80 inside of Finite. The duo breezed through splits of :12.20, :24.40, :36.20 with a six-furlong gallop out of 1:14.20.

Other Kentucky Oaks contenders who are regularly training at Churchill Downs are Ava’s Grace, Crazy Beautiful, Malathaat, Millefeuille, Travel Column and Will’s Secret.

SHAPING UP: THE KENTUCKY OAKS – Likely starters in the 147th running of the $1.25 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (Grade I) for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/8 miles on Friday, April 30 in order of preference (with possible jockey and trainer): Search Results (Irad Ortiz Jr., Chad Brown); Travel Column (Florent Geroux, Brad Cox); Crazy Beautiful (Jose Ortiz, Kenny McPeek); Pauline’s Pearl (Ricardo Santana Jr., Steve Asmussen); Malathaat (Joel Rosario, Todd Pletcher); Soothsay (Flavien Prat, Richard Mandella); Clairiere (Tyler Gaffalione, Steve Asmussen); Will’s Secret (Jon Court, Dallas Stewart); Millefeuille (TBA, Bill Mott); Moraz (Umberto Rispoli, Michael McCarthy); Ava’s Grace (TBA, Robertino Diodoro); Pass the Champagne (Javier Castellano, George Weaver); Maracuja (Kendrick Carmouche, Rob Atras); and Competitive Speed (TBA, Javier Gonzalez).

Next up in order of preference: Coach (Luis Saez, Brad Cox); Souper Sensational (TBA, Mark Casse); Moon Swag (TBA, Brendan Walsh); Army Wife (TBA, Mike Maker); and Spritz (Chris Landeros, Rodolphe Brissett).

Out of race: Beautiful Gift; Wholebodemeister; Mnasek; Adventuring; The Grass Is Blue; Kalypso; Vequist; Miss Brazil; and Nayefah.

STAKES PROBABLES – The following are the early probable stakes race entrants for Kentucky Derby Week, according to assistant racing secretary and stakes coordinator Dan Bork:

The 6th running of the $125,000 William Walker (Listed), run on Saturday, April 24 at 5 ½ furlongs on turf, entries close Wednesday, April 21: Bodenheimer (trainer Valorie Lund); Cees Get Degrees (Michelle Lovell); Charles Chrome (Reeve McGaughey); Field Day (Brad Cox); Gagetown (Brad Cox); The Wolfman (Phil Schoenthal). Possible: Unitedandresolute (Tom Amoss)

The 3rd running of the $120,000 Isaac Murphy Marathon Overnight Stakes presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, run Tuesday, April 27 at 1 ½ miles, entries close Thursday, April 22: Dack Janiel’s (Jack Sisterson); Plus Que Parfait (Brendan Walsh); Strong Tide (Mike Lauer); You’re To Blame (Ron Moquett).

The 27th running of the $125,000 Kentucky Juvenile, run Wednesday, April 28 at five furlongs, entries close Friday, April 23: Bohemian Frost (John Ennis); Saucy Lady T (James Chapman); Shesgotattitude (Ennis).

The 16th running of the $120,000 Opening Verse Overnight Stakes, run Wednesday, April 28 at one-mile on turf, entries close Friday, April 23: Captivating Moon (Chris Block); Epic Dreamer (Mark Casse); Sayyaaf (Mike Maker); Set Piece (Brad Cox); Spectacular Gem (Jimmy Baker).

The 11th running of the $150,000 Unbridled Sidney, run on Thursday, April 29 at 5 ½ furlongs on turf, entries close Saturday, April 24: A Bit of Both (Mike Maker); Ambassador Luna (James Gulick); Change of Control (Michelle Lovell); Dixieincandyland (Eddie Kenneally); Foxxy Belle (Michael Ann Ewing); Into Mystic (Brendan Walsh); Lady Grace (Mark Casse); She’sonthewarpath (Steve Margolis); Wining Envelope (Chris Block); Yes It’s Ginger (Greg Foley).

The 27th running of the $250,000 Twin Spires Turf Sprint presented by Sysco (Grade II), run Friday, April 30 at 5 ½ furlongs on turf, entries close Monday, April 26: American Butterfly (D. Wayne Lukas); Carotari (Brian Lynch); Classy John (Dallas Stewart): Diamond Oops (Patrick Biancone); Firecrow (Ron Moquett); Just Might (Michelle Lovell); Sombeyay (Peter Miller).

The 37th Running of the $300,000 Edgewood presented by Newport Racing & Gaming (Grade II), run on Friday, April 30 at 1 1/16 miles on turf, entries close Monday, April 26: Aunt Pearl (Brad Cox); I Get It (Mark Casse); Oliviaofthedesert (Kenny McPeek); Postnup (Cherie Devaux); Queen of the Green (Jason Barkley). Possible Jouster (Todd Pletcher), Zaajel (Pletcher).

The 66th running of the $300,000 Eight Belles presented by Smithfield (Grade II), run on Friday April 30 at seven furlongs, entries close Monday, April 26: Abrogate (Steve Asmussen); Dayoutoftheoffice (Tim Hamm); Euphoric (Bernie Flint); Slumber Party (Kelly Breen); Sun Path (Brad Cox); Windmill (Larry Jones). Possible: Joyful Cadence (John Ortiz).

The 18th running of the $400,000 Alysheba presented by Sentient Jet (Grade II), run on Friday, April 30 at 1 1/16 miles, entries close Monday, April 26: Attachment Rate (Dale Romans); Chess Chief (Dallas Stewart); Maxfield (Brendan Walsh); Roadster (Bob Baffert): Sonneman (Steve Asmussen); Visitant (Bill Morey).

The 36th running of the $500,000 La Troienne presented by TwinSpires.com (Grade I), run on Friday, April 30 at 1 1/16 miles, entries close Monday, April 26: As Time Goes By (Bob Baffert); Dunbar Road (Chad Brown); Envoutante (Kenny McPeek); Paris Lights (Bill Mott); Sanenus (Michael McCarthy); Shedaresthedevil (Brad Cox). Possible: Finite (Steve Asmussen).

The 30th running of the $500,000 American Turf presented by Derby City Gaming (Grade II), run on Saturday, May 1 at 1 1/16 miles on turf, entries close Tuesday, April 27: Fire At Will (Mike Maker); Holy Vow (John Ortiz); Lucky Law (Patrick Biancone); Palazzi (Mark Casse); Winfromwithin (Todd Pletcher).

The 97th running of the $500,000 Pat Day Mile presented by LG&E and KU, run on Saturday, May 1 at one-mile, entries close Tuesday, April 27: Excellent Timing (Chad Brown); Gretzky the Great (Mark Casse); Jackie’s Warrior (Steve Asmussen); Prevalence (Brendan Walsh); Whiskey Double (Steve Asmussen). Possible: Dream Shake (Peter Eurton); Dreamer’s Disease (Robertino Diodoro).

The 36th running of the $500,000 Longines Distaff Turf Mile (Grade II), run on Saturday, May 1 at one-mile on turf, entries close Tuesday, April 27: Abscond (Eddie Kenneally); Blowout (Chad Brown); Got Stormy (Mark Casse); Princess Grace (Mike Stidham).

The 35th running of the $500,000 Derby City Distaff presented by Kendall-Jackson Winery (Grade I), run on Saturday, May 1 at seven furlongs, entries close Tuesday, April 27: Gamine (Bob Baffert), Sconsin (Greg Foley). Possible: Bell’s the One (Neil Pessin); Finite (Steve Asmussen); Hibiscus Punch (Justin Nixon); Unique Factor (Peter Miller).

The 86th running of the $500,000 Churchill Downs presented by Ford (Grade I), run on Saturday, May 1 at seven furlongs, entries close Tuesday, April 27: Charlatan (Bob Baffert); Hog Creek Hustle (Vickie Foley); Lexitonian (Jack Sisterson); Tap It To Win (Mark Casse). Possible: Bango (Greg Foley); Shashashakemeup (Peter Miller).

The 35th running of the $1 million Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic (Grade I), run on Saturday, May 1 at 1 1/8 miles on turf, entries close Tuesday, April 27: Arklow (Brad Cox); Colonel Liam (Todd Pletcher); Digital Age (Chad Brown); Ivar (Paolo Lobo); Masteroffoxhounds (Richard Baltas); Ride a Comet (Mark Casse); Smooth Like Strait (Michael McCarthy). Possible: Flavius (Chad Brown), Spooky Channel (Brian Lynch).