With less than three weeks until the Santa Anita Derby (G1) on April 8, the contenders are ratcheting up their training.
On Sunday, both National Treasure and Skinner worked five furlongs in preparation for the 1 1/8-mile test that also serves as a final local prep for the Kentucky Derby (G1). A day earlier, Geaux Rocket Ride had his first work since finishing second in the San Felipe (G2) March 4.
National Treasure, who was the morning-line favorite in the San Felipe but was scratched due to a bruised foot, drilled five furlongs in 1:00 for trainer Tim Yakteen. National Treasure returned to the work tab this past Tuesday following the setback with a six-furlong move in 1:11.80.
National Treasure is among a trio of top 3-year-olds trained by Yakteen. On Saturday, stablemates Practical Move and Reincarnate each worked.
Following the drills, Yakteen said Practical Move, winner of the San Felipe, would most likely stay here and run in the Santa Anita Derby. In turn, Reincarnate would probably head back to Oaklawn Park —where he was a troubled third in the Rebel (G2) — to run in the Arkansas Derby (G1) on April 1.
On Sunday, Yakteen, said National Treasure would run in either the Santa Anita Derby or Blue Grass (G1) at Keeneland on April 8.
“He had a very nice work this morning, very happy,” Yakteen added.
Skinner's five-furlong work was completed in 1:01.60 for trainer John Shirreffs, who confirmed Skinner was on track for the Satna Anita Derby. The son of Curlin was third in the San Felipe, beaten 3 ¾ lengths by Practical Move.
The post National Treasure, Geaux Rocket Ride, Skinner Gear Up For Santa Anita Derby appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
