HOZIER UNDER KENTUCKY DERBY CONSIDERATION; LIGHT ACTIVITY UNDER SNOWY TWIN SPIRES

By Darren Rogers —-

Known Agenda; Coady Photography

LOUISVILLE, KY (Wednesday, April 21, 2021) – Six-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Bob Baffert indicated via text that Hozier, sixth in the Arkansas Derby (GI) in his most recent start, is under consideration for Kentucky Derby 147.

Owned by the partnership of SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, Golconda Stables, Siena Farm and Robert Masterson, Hozier is No. 21 on the Road to the Kentucky Leaderboard.

Hozier galloped a little bit more than a mile with Joel Osorio up over a sloppy track a little before 9:30 on a morning in which the news of the day was … wait for it … Snow!

Overnight Louisville picked up an April 21 record 1.8 inches of snow that left the Matt Winn Turf Course covered in a blanket of white inside the sloppy main track.

BOURBONIC, DYNAMIC ONE, KNOWN AGENDA, SAINTHOOD – Trainer Todd Pletcher sent his quartet of Derby 147 hopefuls out for 1 ¼-mile gallops Wednesday morning.

“We cut back a little bit today and sent them straight off (as opposed to backtracking to the front of the grandstand),” Pletcher said, “And got them back safe and sound.”

First to go out for Pletcher at 7:30 was Florida Derby (GI) winner Known Agenda with Hector Ramos aboard and Wood Memorial (GII) runner-up Dynamic One with Carlos Perez Quevedo aboard.

At 7:50, Wood Memorial winner Bourbonic was on the track with Ramos aboard along with Jeff Ruby Steaks (GIII) runner-up Sainthood with Amelia Green aboard.

Pletcher is leaning toward working all four on Friday.

“There is potential for rain all day Saturday and I would prefer Friday to pushing back to Monday,” Pletcher said.

Pletcher, who won the Derby in 2010 with Super Saver and 2017 with Always Dreaming, has riders lined up for all but Sainthood.

“We will wait until after the final breezes and monitor who is available,” Pletcher said.

HELIUM, SOUP AND SANDWICH – Live Oak Plantation’s Soup and Sandwich, along with D J Stable’s Helium, jogged two miles over the sloppy surface Wednesday at Churchill Downs.

Helium, ridden by Paolo Levi and Soup and Sandwich, with Gilbert Hernandez in the saddle, were both accompanied by stable pony Jack with Isabella Leslie aboard.

Both horses are likely to gallop Thursday, according to trainer Mark Casse’s assistant David Carroll.

HIGHLY MOTIVATED – Klaravich Stables’ Highly Motivated galloped a mile and a half under Peter Roman during the 7:30-7:45 training window for Derby and Kentucky Oaks horses.

Trainer Chad Brown plans to work the Blue Grass Stakes (GII) runner-up Saturday, a breeze that could be moved up a day because of weather.

HOZIER – Hozier, No. 21 on the Road to the Kentucky Derby leaderboard, galloped a little more than a mile before 9:30 under exercise rider Joel Osorio.

KEEPMEINMIND – Keepmeinmind had a spirited 1 ½-mile gallop over the sloppy track with Enrique Benitez aboard at 5:45.

Standing at No. 23 on the Road to the Kentucky Derby leaderboard, Keepmeinmind is scheduled to work Friday or Saturday for trainer Robertino Diodoro.

KING FURY – Lexington Stakes (GIII) winner King Fury galloped 1 ½ miles under jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. at 7:30.

Trained by Kenny McPeek, King Fury stands at No. 22 on the Road to the Kentucky Derby leaderboard with a work scheduled for Saturday.

MIDNIGHT BOURBON, SUPER STOCK – Winchell Thoroughbreds’ multiple graded stakes-placed colt Midnight Bourbon jogged one mile at 5:30 a.m. with Wilson Fabian aboard alongside Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen.

Erv Woolsey and Keith Asmussen’s upset Arkansas Derby (GI) hero Super Stock galloped about 1 3/8 miles with Juan Vargas aboard at 6:30 a.m. Super Stock is scheduled to work Saturday while Midnight Bourbon is slated to work Monday.

O BESOS – Barrett Bernard, Tagg Team Racing and West Point Thoroughbreds’ O Besos was tentatively scheduled to work Wednesday morning but trainer Greg Foley opted to move the work to Thursday because of track conditions.

The Orb colt jogged one mile under rider Margarito Fierro.

“Horses like this give me the motivation to keep going in life,” said Fierro, who’s worked for Foley for nearly 20 years. “He’s still a baby but what I’ve loved about his galloping is he does it with class. He gets on the track with the pony, checks out his surroundings and when he’s ready to start his gallop he’s all business.”

O Besos will work at 5:15 a.m., according to Foley.

STARRININMYDREAMS – Stewart Racing and WinStar Farm’s third-place Lexington Stakes (GIII) finisher Starrininmydreams galloped about 1 ½ miles at 6:30 a.m. under exercise rider Emerson Chavez.

“We’re still waiting to see what shakes down,” trainer Dallas Stewart said. “He looks unbelievable out there training but you never know what can happen with the horses in front of us. We’ll be ready.”

Starrininmydreams sits No. 24 on the Road to the Kentucky Derby leaderboard.

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); Caddo River (TBA, Brad Cox); Highly Motivated (Javier Castellano, Chad Brown); 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); O Besos (Marcelino Pedroza, Greg Foley); Get Her Number (TBA, Peter Miller).

Possible starters within the Top 20 on the preference list: Dream Shake (TBA, Peter Eurton).

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

LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS UPDATE – OXO Equine’s Travel Column, winner of the Fair Grounds Oaks (GII) in her most recent start, paid a visit to the starting gate before galloping 1 5/8 miles on a chilly and damp Wednesday morning.

AVA’S GRACE – Cypress Creek Equine’s Ava’s Grace galloped a mile and half at 5:45 under exercise rider Walter Davila for trainer Robertino Diodoro.

Ava’s Grace is scheduled to work Friday or Saturday.

CLAIRIERE, PAULINE’S PEARL – Stonestreet Stable’s Clairiere and Pauline’s Pearl trained early Wednesday morning for Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen.

COACH, TRAVEL COLUMN – Fair Grounds Oaks (GII) winner Travel Column had an adjusted position on trainer Brad Cox’s set list Wednesday when she galloped about 1 5/8 miles and visited the starting gate, which opened at 7:30 a.m. Typically, the gray filly would train before 6 a.m.

Keuber Racing’s Coach also galloped about 1 5/8 miles for Cox.

Both fillies are scheduled to work Friday, according to Cox.

COMPETITVE SPEED – John Minchello’s Competitive Speed galloped nearly two miles under Juan Vargas for trainer Javier Gonzalez at 8:20.

Competitive Speed is scheduled to work Friday after which Gonzalez will finalize the process of naming a rider for the Oaks.

“We will wait until after the breeze and see who is available,” the 55-year-old Gonzalez said.

CRAZY BEAUTIFUL – Phoenix Thoroughbred’s Crazy Beautiful galloped a mile and a half under Danny Ramsey at 7:30 for trainer Kenny McPeek.

Winner of the Gulfstream Park Oaks (GII) in her most recent start, Crazy Beautiful is scheduled to work Saturday.

MALATHAAT – Shadwell Stable’s undefeated Malathaat galloped 1 ½ miles under Amelia Green at 7:30 for trainer Todd Pletcher.

Malathaat is scheduled to work Friday.

MILLEFEUILLE – Juddmonte Farms’ Millefeuille galloped a mile and a quarter at 7:30 under Ailsa Morrison for trainer Bill Mott.

SEARCH RESULTS – Klaravich Stables’ undefeated Search Results galloped 1 ½ miles at 7:30 under exercise rider Walter Malasquez for trainer Chad Brown.

Search Results is scheduled to work Friday.

WILL’S SECRET – Willis Horton’s Honeybee (GIII) winner Will’s Secret galloped about 1 ½ miles Wednesday at Churchill Downs under trainer Dallas Stewart’s exercise rider and longtime friend Lee Guidry.

“I’ve known him since we were 5-years-old and we lived across the street from one another in New Orleans,” Stewart said. “He’s a great hand on a horse.”

Guidry had a 19-year career as a jockey and tallied 915 victories in 9,596 races.

Will’s Secret is slated to work Friday, according to Stewart.

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 (John Velazquez, Todd Pletcher); Clairiere (Tyler Gaffalione, Steve Asmussen); Will’s Secret (Jon Court, Dallas Stewart); Millefeuille (Joel Rosario, Bill Mott); Moraz (Umberto Rispoli, Michael McCarthy); Ava’s Grace (David Cohen, Robertino Diodoro); Pass the Champagne (Javier Castellano, George Weaver); Maracuja (Kendrick Carmouche, Rob Atras); Competitive Speed (TBA, Javier Gonzalez); Coach (Luis Saez, Brad Cox).

Next up in order of preference: Moon Swag (TBA, Brendan Walsh); Army Wife (TBA, Mike Maker); Spritz (Chris Landeros, Rodolphe Brisset); Oliviaofthedesert (TBA, Kenny McPeek).

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 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); Ry’s the Guy (Ian Wilkes); 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 Thursday, April 29 at one mile on turf, entries close Saturday, April 24: 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); Foxxy Belle (Michael Ann Ewing); Into Mystic (Brendan Walsh); Lady Grace (Mark Casse); She’sonthewarpath (Steve Margolis); Winning 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 (IRE) (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 (CHI) (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: Bell’s the One (Neil Pessin); Gamine (Bob Baffert), Sconsin (Greg Foley). Possible: 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 (BRZ) (Paolo Lobo); Masteroffoxhounds (Richard Baltas); Ride a Comet (Mark Casse); Smooth Like Strait (Michael McCarthy). Possible: Flavius (Chad Brown), Spooky Channel (Brian Lynch).

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