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The Haiku Handicapper Presented By BC2A Equine Sports Performance: 2020 Kentucky Derby

Time to analyze the 2020 Kentucky Derby field, in post position order, in the form of Haiku; a Japanese poem of 17 syllables, in three lines of five, seven, and five.

To read previous editions of The Haiku Handicapper, click here.

#2 – Max Player
Can't knock his hustle
Don't love the late-game barn change
Should gain some ground late

#3 – Enforceable
Looked good at Fair Grounds
But fell off the map quickly
Blue-blood would surprise

#4 – Storm the Court
How many horses
Finish third at Thistledown
Then win the Derby?

#5 – Major Fed
A fine Grade 3-type
Punching against heavyweights
Tricky assignment

#7 – Money Moves
One start in six months
An optional claimer loss
This guy's pocket change

#8 – South Bend
Which will be longer:
Touchdown Jesus's wingspan
Or lengths off winner?

#9 – Mr. Big News
First-class pedigree
Exit-row coach race record
Minor check at best

#10 – Thousand Words
His ship's been righted
Knocking around four-horse fields
What's his true level?

#11 – Necker Island
A wonderful claim
Who's lost to a lot of these
He'd be an upset

#12 – Sole Volante
Churchill plays turfy
Which might be his best surface
A player, if he's right

#13 – Attachment Rate
Has some wins in him
Don't reckon this'll be one
He'll grow up nicely

#14 – Winning Impression
A pair of sevenths
Never held back Dallas Stewart
From trying longshots

#15 – Ny Traffic
Loves to run second
Pack animal tendencies
Wait for a mile race

#16 – Honor A. P.
Mike Smith had options
This one got the final rose
Serious win threat

#17 – Tiz the Law
All that's left to do
Is avenge his Churchill loss
And he's a man now

#18 – Authentic
Nail-biting Haskell
Begs the question if he peaked
For the May Derby

Prediction
Long-awaited bout
“Law” staves off Honor A. P.
Twelve and two follow

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Kentucky Derby Pedigree Corner: Max Player, Enforceable, Major Fed, And Mr. Big News

Each day of Kentucky Derby week, we'll take a look at the pedigrees of some Derby contenders and how those pedigrees might factor into their ability to succeed at 1 1/4 miles.

Max Player
Honor Code x Fools In Love, by Not For Love
Honor Code has strong credentials around two turns, winning the 1 1/8-mile Grade 2 Remsen Stakes at age two, then earning champion older male honors at age four with a campaign including a score in the G1 Whitney Stakes, also at 1 1/2 miles. Honor Code's championship season also included wins at 1 mile in the G1 Metropolitan Handicap and G1 Gulfstream Park Handicap. He is a son of A.P. Indy, who is one of the modern breed's bedrocks for distance runners.

Honor Code's runners post an average winning distance of 7.29 furlongs, which is a strong number for a sire with his first crop of 3-year-olds. He'll have two colts pointing toward this year's Kentucky Derby, with Honor A. P. having won the G1 Santa Anita Derby at 1 1/8 miles and Max Player winning the G3 Withers Stakes at the same distance. Max Player is also placed at the Derby distance, having run third in the G1 Travers Stakes in August.

Fools in Love was a stakes-level horse on the East Coast for most of her racing career, but her lone win in stakes competition came in the 7 furlong Orleans Stakes at Delta Downs. A versatile runner, Fools in Love won at distances ranging from 5 furlongs to 1 1/16 miles.

Her resume continued to be strong when she transitioned from the racetrack to the foaling barn, consistently producing black type runners. She is the dam of the Scat Daddy colt Seahenge, a British Group 2 winner at 7 furlongs who now stands at stud in France and Argentina.

Other runners of note out of Fools in Love include Urban Bourbon, a City Zip gelding who is Grade 3-placed at 7 1/2 furlongs over the turf and was a multiple winner at 1 1/16 miles on the same surface. Frank's Folly, by Mineshaft, is stakes-placed and a multiple winner at 1 1/16 miles, while the Exchange Rate gelding Exchequer was a multi-surface claiming winner beyond a mile.

Enforceable
Tapit x Justwhistledixie, by Dixie Union
Tapit won the G3 Laurel Futurity as a juvenile going 1 1/16 miles, then came back at three to take the G1 Wood Memorial Stakes at 1 1/8 miles before running in the 2004 Kentucky Derby.

After he retired to stud, Tapit ascended to become perennial leader on the North American sire lists, both in on-track earnings and auction returns. He has sired three Belmont Stakes winners – Tonalist, Creator, and Tapwrit – while classic-placed Frosted became a prominent figure in the handicap division. His average progeny winning distance of 7.65 furlongs is among the leaders for this year's class of Derby sires.

Justwhistledixie has been a versatile star, both on the racetrack and in her broodmare career. She won the G2 Bonnie Miss Stakes over 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Gulfstream Park, preceded by a one-mile score in the G2 Davona Dale Stakes at the same track. She was also a non-graded stakes winner at 6 and 7 furlongs.

Enforceable would be Justwhistledixie's second Derby starter, following in the footsteps of his full-brother Mohaymen. After bringing $2.2 million as a yearling, Mohaymen won his first five starts: a 6 furlong maiden special weight at Belmont Park; the G2 Nashua Stakes (one mile); the G2 Remsen Stakes (1 1/8 miles); the G2 Holy Bull Stakes (1 1/16 miles); and the G2 Fountain of Youth Stakes (1 1/16 miles). He went on to finish fourth in the Kentucky Derby, and now stands at Shadwell Farm in Kentucky.

The Tapit/Justwhistledixie cross has also produced Kingly, who won the G3 La Jolla Handicap over 1 1/16 miles on the turf, and the non-graded California Derby at the same distance over the synthetic Tapeta Footings surface of Golden Gate Fields.

However, the biggest winner to date out of Justwhistledixie is New Year's Day, a son of Street Cry who took the 2013 Breeders' Cup Juvenile at 1 1/16 miles and went on to sire champion 3-year-old Maximum Security.

Major Fed
Ghostzapper x Bobby's Babe, by Smart Strike
Ghostzapper was a force of nature on the racetrack, earning a diverse catalog of wins at the highest level, from the G1 Vosburgh Stakes at 6 ½ furlongs to the 1 1/4-mile Breeders' Cup Classic. Between those two extremes, he won at 1 1/16 miles in the G1 Woodward Stakes and G3 Philip H. Iselin Breeders' Cup Handicap, at 1 mile in the Metropolitan Handicap, and at 7 furlongs in the G2 Tom Fool Handicap.

He's proven able to get high-caliber runners at either the sprint or route distance at stud, with his two-turn stars including Shaman Ghost, who is a Grade 1 winner at 1 1/4 miles, and Moreno, who won the G1 Whitney Handicap at 1 1/8 miles and ran second in the G1 Travers Stakes at the classic distance. On the shorter side of the equation, he has sired champion female sprinter Judy the Beauty; Paulassilverlining, who was a finalist in the same category. Guarana, a finalist for champion 3-year-old filly last year, is a Grade 1 winner at both 1 1/8 miles and 7 furlongs, with another one in between at a mile.

Ghostzapper's Kentucky Derby runners include Stately Victor, who won the G1 Blue Grass Stakes at 1 1/8 miles before running eighth in the 2010 Derby; and McCraken, who also ran eighth in 2017 and was a three-time graded stakes winner at 1 1/16 miles.

Bobby's Babe broke her maiden on debut at age three, going 6 furlongs over the Polytrack at Turfway Park. She never won again in her 11 career starts, but she finished second by a nose in a one-mile turf race at Kentucky Downs.

She has four earners of six figures under her produce record, led by May Lily, a turf sprint specialist by Broken Vow who won the Kentucky Downs Preview Ladies Sprint Stakes at 5 ½ furlongs. Zapperini, a full-brother to Major Fed, took it in the opposite direction, finishing second in last year's G3 John B. Connally Turf Cup Stakes going 1 1/2 miles. Clairenation, by Bernstein, went on a four-race winning streak of turf sprints between five and 5 1/2 furlongs.

Mr. Big News
Giant's Causeway x Unappeased, by Galileo
Giant's Causeway was one of the greatest runners of his generation on a global scale, earning Europe's Horse of the Year honors in 2000.

He was a Group 1 turf winner at distances ranging from 7 furlongs to 1 1/4 miles, racking up victories in the French G1 Prix de la Salamandre at seven panels, the English G1 St. James's Palace Stakes and Sussex Stakes at 1 mile, and the G1 Coral-Eclipse Stakes and Irish Champion Stakes at 1 1/4 miles. Giant's Causeway stretched out even further to win the G1 Juddmonte International Stakes at 10 furlongs and 56 yards.

In his final start, Giant's Causeway showed elite class and distance ability on the dirt, finishing second by a neck to Tiznow in the 1 1/4-mile Breeders' Cup Classic at Churchill Downs.

Giant's Causeway was North America's leading sire in 2009, 2011, and 2012, with a broad cross-section of successful runners across distance, surface, and international borders. One of the few boxes left to check on his stallion resume is siring a U.S. classic winner, but he's gotten classic winners elsewhere with Footstepsinthesand in the English 2,000 Guineas, Shamardal in the French 2,000 Guineas, and Mike Fox Canada's Queen's Plate.

Giant's Causeway has sent eight runners to post in the Kentucky Derby, with his best finish being a fifth by Creative Cause in 2012. Other Giant's Causeway runners to start in the Derby include Destin (6th, 2016); Brody's Cause (7th, 2016); Carpe Diem (10th, 2015); Santiva (6th, 2011); Hold Me Back (12th, 2009); Cowboy Cal (9th, 2008); and Noble Causeway (14th, 2005).

Unappeased, by another all-world sire in Galileo, went winless in six career starts Japan. Her best performance was a runner-up effort going about 7 furlongs over a sloppy main track.

The mare comes from a strong extended family that includes Canadian Horse of the Year Glorious Song, U.S. champion juvenile Devil's Bag, and top global runner Sligo Bay.

Unappeased is the dam of two other runners including Lalibela, a full-sister to Mr. Big News who won on debut in a Gulfstream Park maiden special weight, going a mile and an eighth on the turf. Untouch, by Speightstown, raced just once, finishing out of the money in a Belmont Park maiden special weight at 1 1/16 miles on the grass.

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‘Really Strong’ Art Collector Tops Derby Workers Friday Morning At Churchill Downs

Bruce Lunsford's Art Collector, who looms as one of the favorites for next Saturday's 146th running of the $3 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (GI), worked five furlongs in 1:00.80 Friday morning over a fast track to headline a Churchill Downs worktab that featured five Kentucky Derby hopefuls and four Kentucky Oaks prospects.

Also working toward the Derby were Winning Impression (5 furlongs in :59.20), Major Fed (5 furlongs in :59), Necker Island (4 furlongs in :48.40) and Rushie (5 furlongs in 1:01.60).

Working toward the Oaks were Speech (4 furlongs in :47.60), Shedaresthedevil (5 furlongs in 1:01.40), Bonny South (4 furlongs in :48.20) and Tempers Rising (4 furlongs in :47).

There were also Derby hopefuls working at Saratoga and Palm Meadows Friday morning.

At Saratoga, Ny Traffic covered five furlongs in :59.45; Dr Post (4 furlongs in :49.60) and Money Moves (5 furlongs in 1:00.14). At Palm Meadows, Sole Volante worked five furlongs on firm turf in :57.80.

Also at Saratoga Global Thoroughbred and Top Racing's $1 million Travers Stakes (GI) runner-up Caracaro was removed from Kentucky Derby contention with a soft tissue injury, according to trainer Gustavo Delgado.

On the Oaks front, four other fillies worked from coast to coast.

Donna Veloce worked five furlongs in 1:00.80 at Del Mar; Dream Marie worked five furlongs in 1:00.80 at Gulfstream Park West; Hopeful Growth worked five furlongs in 1:01.80 at Monmouth; and, Project Whiskey worked a half-mile in :47.82 at Parx.

ART COLLECTOR – Bruce Lunsford's Art Collector put in his final work prior to next Saturday's Kentucky Derby with a five-furlong move in 1:00.80 with jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. in the saddle.

“He really loves this track here at Churchill,” trainer Tommy Drury said. “He galloped pretty strong yesterday on his first day back at Churchill and turned in a really strong work today. The difficult part is out of the way and now we just need to keep him happy and healthy until Saturday.”

Owned by Louisville native Lunsford, Art Collector brings many local ties together for the first Saturday in September.

“It's really an honor being local to Kentucky, training for a local owner and running in the biggest horse race in the world,” Drury said.

ATTACHMENT RATE – Jim Bakke and Gerald Isbister's $200,000 Ellis Park Derby runner-up Attachment Rate galloped 1 ½ miles under exercise rider Faustino Herrarte at 7:30 a.m. Friday.

Attachment Rate is scheduled to work on Sunday. Trainer Dale Romans is due back in Louisville Saturday from Saratoga.

AUTHENTIC – Spendthrift Farm LLC, MyRaceHorse Stable, Madaket Stables LLC and Starlight Racing's $1 million Haskell (GI) winner Authentic is scheduled to arrive Monday at Churchill Downs.

CARACARO – Global Thoroughbred and Top Racing's $1 million Travers Stakes (GI) runner-up Caracaro has been removed from Kentucky Derby contention with a soft tissue injury, according to trainer Gustavo Delgado.

DR POST – St. Elias Stable's Haskell third-place finisher Dr Post worked a half-mile in :49.60 Friday at Saratoga. His plans for the Derby remain in question.

ENFORCEABLE – John Oxley's Enforceable galloped a mile and a half under exercise rider Paolo Perez at 5:40 Friday morning at Churchill Downs.

The Mark Casse trainee is scheduled to work at 5:15 Saturday morning, weather permitting, with Derby rider Adam Beschizza scheduled to be aboard.

FINNICK THE FIERCE – Trainer and co-owner Rey Hernandez said Finnick the Fierce returned to the track Friday at The Thoroughbred Center in Lexington. He will ship to Churchill Downs on Monday.

FIRST LINE – Noda Brothers' Saratoga maiden special weight winner First Line no longer remains under consideration for the Derby according to vice president of racing Ben Huffman.

HONOR A. P. – C R K Stable's $100,000 Shared Belief runner-up Honor A. P. is scheduled to work Saturday at 12:45 p.m. PDT at Del Mar and slated to arrive at Churchill Downs Monday.

KING GUILLERMO – Victoria's Ranch's King Guillermo galloped 1 ½ miles Friday at 7:30 a.m. with exercise rider Edgar Medina in the saddle. He is scheduled to breeze Saturday or Sunday at 7:30 a.m. pending inclement weather.

Owner Victor Martinez is due in Louisville Saturday.

MAJOR FED – Lloyd Madison Farm's $300,000 Indiana Derby (GIII) runner-up Major Fed cruised five furlongs in :59 at 5:15 a.m. with jockey James Graham in the saddle.

Trained by Greg Foley, Major Fed began his work at the half-mile pole and clipped through early fractions of :12.20, :23.80 and :47. He continued around the turn and completed a six-furlong gallop out in 1:12.

“I wanted to put a good work in him this morning and focus on making sure he finished through the wire,” Foley said. “He was moving pretty good around there. James tapped him on the shoulder once and he lowered his body to continue galloping out well. The big relief was how easy he seemed to do it because back at the barn he really wasn't tired.

“We're sort of taking in this entire Derby experience. Being from Kentucky and Churchill being our home track, this is the race every owner, trainer and jockey dreams of winning. This is why we put in the hard work. I always thought about making that walkover for the Derby and it's sure going to be special for me, our family, our owners and everyone in our barn.”

Major Fed will have a walk day Saturday and could return to the track for a light jog Sunday.

MAX PLAYER – George Hall and SportBLX Thoroughbred's $1 million Travers Stakes (GI) third-place finisher Max Player galloped 1 ½ miles at 6 a.m. with exercise rider Juan Vargas in the saddle.

Jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. will have the call in the Derby.

MONEY MOVES – Robert LaPenta and Bortolazzo Stable's two-time winner Money Moves still remains under Derby consideration according to assistant racing secretary and stakes coordinator Dan Bork.

Money Moves worked five furlongs in 1:00.20 Friday at Saratoga for trainer Todd Pletcher. He is nominated to the $500,000 Pat Day Mile presented by LG&E and KU (GII).

NECKER ISLAND – Raymond Daniels and Wayne Scherr's Necker Island worked a half-mile in company in :48.40 under jockey Miguel Mena during the 7:30 training window for Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses.

Working with Kurilov, Necker Island posted fractions of :12.60, :25 and :36.60 before galloping out strong to the half-mile pole.

“I thought it was a great work and it was the first time Miguel had been on him,” trainer Chris Hartman said. “He finished well and other than the little hiccup at the start with the '25' it was exactly what I wanted to see.”

It was the first work for Necker Island since finishing third behind Art Collector in the Ellis Park Derby.

Hartman said Necker Island would walk the shedrow the next two days and then return to the track Monday with a likely visit to the starting gate.

“I may stand him at the gate every day,” said Hartman, who claimed Necker Island for $100,000 in June. “We'll play it by ear and see how he participates. That's one of the things about training horses, learning to work with them.”

NY TRAFFIC – John Fanelli, Cash is King and Paul Braverman's Ny Traffic worked five furlongs in :59.45 at Saratoga under David Cohen for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.

“He went in company and sat a few lengths off his target,” Joseph said via text. “He went on by readily and worked well.”

Ny Traffic is scheduled to ship to Churchill Downs on Monday.

RUSHIE – Jim and Donna Daniell's Rushie worked five furlongs in 1:01.60 under exercise rider Osman Cedeno for trainer Michael McCarthy.

Working on his own at 9 o'clock, Rushie produced fractions of :12.80 and :24.80 in the work that was the 26th fastest of 36 at the distance.

“He worked (five furlongs) in :59 last week at Del Mar and today looked like a good leg stretcher with a solid gallop out,” McCarthy said. “He got over the track well and was well within himself.”

Rushie, who would have to be supplemented to the Derby, also is under consideration for the $500,000 Pat Day Mile Presented by LG&E and KU on Derby Day.

“I'm not sure (about which race),” McCarthy said. “The money doesn't have to be in until Tuesday morning so we will watch things the next 24 to 48 hours and get the Daniells and go from there.

“This is the kind of year to take a shot. You have two very good horses in Tiz the Law and Art Collector and then there is Authentic and Honor A. P. and then everybody else is in the same boat. I think he will get a good setup in both races … there is a lot to think about.”

SHIRL'S SPEIGHT – Charles Fipke's $100,000 Marine Stakes winner Shirl's Speight is scheduled to work at Woodbine Sunday and ship to Churchill Downs Monday, according to trainer Roger Attfield

SOLE VOLANTE – Reeves Thoroughbred Racing and Andie Biancone's Soul Volante worked a half-mile on firm turf in :57.80 Friday morning at Palm Meadows.

“He breezed really well and cooled out perfect,” trainer Patrick Biancone said via text. “He will ship to Churchill Downs tomorrow.”

STORM THE COURT – David A Bernsen LLC, Exline-Border Racing LLC, Dan Hudock and Susanna Wilson's 2-year-old champion Storm the Court is slated to arrive at Churchill Downs Sunday on a flight from San Diego to Louisville. He is scheduled to work Saturday at Del Mar.

Julien Leparoux has the call in the Derby.

THOUSAND WORDS – Albaugh Family Stables and Spendthrift Farm's Shared Belief Stakes hero Thousand Words is scheduled to arrive Monday with stablemate Authentic to trainer Bob Baffert's Barn 33 at Churchill Downs.

Florent Geroux has the call in the Derby.

TIZ THE LAW – Sackatoga Stable's Kentucky Derby favorite Tiz the Law is scheduled to breeze Saturday or Sunday at Saratoga before his Monday arrival at Churchill Downs.

WINNING IMPRESSION – West Point Thoroughbreds' and Pearl Racing's graded stakes placed Winning Impression worked five furlongs in :59.20 Friday morning at 6 o'clock under exercise rider Emerson Chavez.

“I thought he really cruised around there well,” trainer Dallas Stewart said. “We're ready to go. You got to be in it to win it.”

Winning Impression rocketed through early fractions of :11.80, :23.40, :34.60 and 47 and completed a six-furlong gallop out in 1:12.60. Joe Rocco Jr. has the call in the Derby.

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‘It’s 2020, Anything Can Happen’: Derby Contenders Keeping A Close Eye On Mother Nature

Mother Nature may hold the key to what could be a major work day Friday at Churchill Downs.

Rain is forecast to begin overnight Thursday and continue into training hours Friday morning with more rain predicted to begin Friday afternoon and continuing through Saturday morning.

Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (GI) candidates scheduled to work are Lloyd Madison Farms' Major Fed and Raymond Daniels and Wayne Scherr's Necker Island. Jim and Donna Daniell's Rushie may work.

The Brad Cox-trained duo of Juddmonte Farms' Bonny South and Qatar Racing Limited, Flurry Racing Stables and Big Aut Farms' Shedaresthedevil are scheduled for final works before next Friday's Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI) along with Peter Callahan's Swiss Skydiver. Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Madaket Stables' Speech may work.

Other Derby and Oaks hopefuls are slated for final works on five fronts Friday: Reeves Thoroughbred Racing and Andie Biancone's Sole Volante is scheduled to work at Palm Meadows, Charles Fipke's Shirl's Speight is scheduled to work at Woodbine and John Fanelli, Cash is King and Paul Braverman's Ny Traffic is scheduled to work at Saratoga. Also slated to work at Saratoga are Derby possibles Dr Post, owned by St. Elias Stable, and Robert LaPenta and Bortolazzo Stable's Money Moves for trainer Todd Pletcher.

Oaks probable scheduled to work Friday are Kaleem Shah, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith's Donna Veloce at Del Mar and Miracle's International Trading Inc.'s Dream Marie at Gulfstream Park West.

ART COLLECTOR – Bruce Lunsford's Art Collector made his first reappearance over the Churchill Downs surface Thursday morning and galloped 1 ½ miles with jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. in the saddle. Trainer Tommy Drury reported Art Collector will have one more local work prior to the Kentucky Derby. Hernandez will have the call.

ATTACHMENT RATE – Jim Bakke and Gerald Isbister's $200,000 Ellis Park Derby runner-up Attachment Rate galloped 1 ½ miles under exercise rider Faustino Herrarte at 7:30 a.m. Thursday.

“I thought his race at Ellis makes him deserve a shot in the Derby,” trainer Dale Romans said via phone from New York. “He'll have one more work on Sunday before the Derby. It's 2020, anything can happen.”

AUTHENTIC – Spendthrift Farm LLC, MyRaceHorse Stable, Madaket Stables LLC and Starlight Racing's $1 million Haskell (GI) winner Authentic is scheduled to arrive Monday at Churchill Downs.

CARACARO – Global Thoroughbred and Top Racing's $1 million Travers Stakes (GI) runner-up Caracaro is slated to have his final breeze prior to the Kentucky Derby Saturday morning, according to assistant trainer Gustavo Delgado Jr.

Caracaro is scheduled to arrive at Churchill Downs Sunday.

DR POST – St. Elias Stable's Haskell third-place finisher Dr Post appears doubtful to run in the Derby, according to trainer Todd Pletcher. The colt could target the Jim Dandy (GI) or the $1 million Preakness (GI).

ENFORCEABLE – John Oxley's Enforceable galloped a mile and a half shortly before 6 o'clock under exercise rider Paolo Perez for trainer Mark Casse.

“He was a little fresh this morning as this was his first day back galloping after working over the weekend,” said Allen Hardy, assistant to Casse. Enforceable had worked six furlongs in 1:12.20 on Sunday and is scheduled to have his final Derby work this Sunday.

FINNICK THE FIERCE – Trainer and co-owner Rey Hernandez said Finnick the Fierce came out of his Wednesday work at The Thoroughbred Center in Lexington in good shape and would ship to Churchill Downs on Monday.

“He worked well (1:00.60 for five furlongs, the best of 11 at the distance,” said Hernandez, who owns the two-time graded stakes placed gelding in partnership with Arnaldo Monge. “He worked behind another horse.”

FIRST LINE – Noda Brothers' Saratoga maiden special weight winner First Line added his name to the possible Kentucky Derby contenders should room be available in the starting gate on the first Saturday in September.

“If they have a little room in that gate, it's an idea we are kicking around,” trainer Orlando Noda said.

HONOR A. P. – C R K Stable's $100,000 Shared Belief runner-up Honor A. P. is scheduled to work Saturday at 12:45 p.m. PDT at Del Mar and slated to arrive at Churchill Downs Monday.

KING GUILLERMO – Victoria's Ranch's King Guillermo continued his training toward the Kentucky Derby Thursday at 7:30 a.m. with an easy gallop under exercise rider Edgar Medina.

King Guillermo is slated to have his final breeze for the Derby on Saturday, according to Medina.

MAJOR FED – Lloyd Madison Farm's $300,000 Indiana Derby (GIII) runner-up Major Fed will have his final breeze prior to the Kentucky Derby Friday morning at 5:15 with jockey James Graham in the saddle.

Major Fed, a homebred son out of the former Foley-trained mare Bobby's Babe, had an easy one-mile jog Thursday with exercise rider Margarito Fierro in the saddle.

“He's happy and enjoying life right now – and so are we,” trainer Greg Foley said. “It's fun being on this ride with our owners who have stuck with us for so many years. I'm thrilled for them.”

MAX PLAYER – George Hall and SportBLX Thoroughbred's $1 million Travers Stakes (GI) third-place finisher Max Player schooled at the starting gate and galloped about 1 3/8 miles at 7:30 a.m. with exercise rider Juan Vargas in the saddle.

Jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. will have the call in the Derby.

MONEY MOVES – Robert LaPenta and Bortolazzo Stable's two-time winner Money Moves is scheduled to arrive Sunday at Churchill Downs for trainer Todd Pletcher. The colt still has minor Derby consideration but is nominated to the $500,000 Pat Day Mile presented by LG&E and KU (GII).

NECKER ISLAND – Raymond Daniels and Wayne Scherr's Necker Island jogged twice around under Hillary Hartman at 6 o'clock.

Trained by Chris Hartman, Necker Island is scheduled to work Friday morning at 7:30 with jockey Miguel Mena slated to be aboard. Hartman said the Hard Spun colt would go a half-mile or five-eighths and would work in company.

NY TRAFFIC – John Fanelli, Cash is King and Paul Braverman's Ny Traffic is scheduled to work at Saratoga Friday and arrive at Churchill Downs Sunday, according to trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.

RUSHIE – Jim and Donna Daniell's Rushie galloped a mile and a half under exercise rider Osman Cedeno after the 9 o'clock renovation break.

Trainer Michael McCarthy said Rushie may work Friday morning.

“I am thinking about it,” said McCarthy, who arrived in Louisville Wednesday night from California. “It will be a game-time decision as is often the case.”

Rushie, who would have to be supplemented to the Derby in order to run, also is under consideration for the $500,000 Pat Day Mile presented by LG&E and KU to be run Sept. 5.

“We are still on the fence (about the Derby),” said McCarthy, who brought seven horses to Churchill Downs. “(The work) could impact the decision and I will speak with Mr. Daniell and get his thoughts.”

SHIRL'S SPEIGHT – Charles Fipke's $100,000 Marine Stakes winner Shirl's Speight's travel plans remain fluid but the colt is tentatively scheduled to van from Woodbine to Churchill Downs Sunday or Monday.

SOLE VOLANTE – Reeves Thoroughbred Racing and Andie Biancone's $400,000 Tampa Bay Derby (GII) runner-up Sole Volante is scheduled to van from his South Florida base to Churchill Downs Sunday, according to senior director of the stable area Steve Hargrave.

Julien Leparoux has the call in the Derby.

Florent Geroux has the call in the Derby.

“Like so many of Bob Baffert's horses, he showed good speed in his last start,” Geroux said. “I think he could be up in the race but we'll discuss the plan with Bob when things get closer to the race.”

TIZ THE LAW – Sackatoga Stable's Kentucky Derby favorite Tiz the Law is scheduled to breeze Saturday or Sunday at Saratoga before his Monday arrival at Churchill Downs.

WINNING IMPRESSION – West Point Thoroughbreds' and Pearl Racing's graded stakes placed Winning Impression galloped 1 ½ miles Thursday at 6 a.m. under exercise rider Emerson Chavez.

Trainer Dallas Stewart reported Winning Impression will have his final breeze prior to the Derby Monday morning at Churchill Downs. Joe Rocco Jr. will have the mount in the Derby.

“It's starting to get exciting,” Rocco said. “You've got to be in the gate to have a chance to win. We'll see what happens.”

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