By Steve Sherack
LOUISVILLE, Ky – 'TDN Rising Star' and GI Kentucky Oaks 5-2 morning-line favorite (that seems awfully generous, doesn't it?) Paradise Woods (Union Rags) turned in a strong gallop as the sun briefly lit up the Churchill Downs main track shortly after 7:30 a.m. on a brisk Wednesday morning.
The record-breaking GI Santa Anita Oaks heroine set up shop along the outer rail on the clubhouse turn for a minute or so and clearly had her mind on business once turning around. Paradise Woods glided over the track and paid no mind as she powered past another massive crowd of spectators assembled on the backstretch.
Back at Barn 42, Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella showed his star filly no shortage of love, feeding her peppermints as she was getting cleaned up before a small crowd of photographers.
It remained on the chilly side, especially with the sun now nowhere to be found, nearly an hour later for the 15-minute training period reserved exclusively for the GI Kentucky Derby/Oaks runners.
At 17.1 hands tall, it's been awfully difficult to miss State of Honor (To Honor and Serve) train all week. The GI Florida Derby runner-up, one of two entered in the Derby for the loaded Mark Casse barn, will really have to step up his game to be a factor Saturday, but he does seem to be doing better than ever and getting over the track nicely for what it's worth. Casse, of course, will also be represented by the Derby's 4-1 morning-line favorite, champion Classic Empire (Pioneerof the Nile), who, along with 'TDN Rising Star' Irish War Cry (Curlin), looked terrific while schooling in a very crowded Churchill paddock prior to the day's first race.
Miss Sky Warrior (First Samurai) heads to the Oaks off a dominating 13-length win in Aqueduct's GII Gazelle S., her fifth straight decision. The dark bay was one of the first of the session to enter the track while being ponied by trainer Kelly Breen. 'TDN Rising Star' Untrapped (Trappe Shot), meanwhile, proved to be a handful for his rider while Miss Sky Warrior was galloping to his inside down the backstretch.
Even with Always Dreaming (Bodemeister) heading out before dawn, trainer Todd Pletcher still had three others on display sporting the bright yellow Kentucky Derby saddle towels during this popular time slot, including Master Plan (Twirling Candy), who was entered as an also-eligible. Tapwrit (Tapit) and 'TDN Rising Star' Patch (Union Rags) both had another good morning, as did the aforementioned G2 UAE Derby third-place finisher, who bounded off the track with good energy.
Godolphin's UAE Derby winner Thunder Snow (Ire) (Helmet {Aus}) was really on his toes once stepping foot onto the track while 'TDN Rising Star' McCraken (Ghostzapper) hugged the rail once again during his gallop–similar to his head-turning breeze Sunday. McCraken was hard held as he had some dirt kicked in his face while picking up company heading down the backstretch.
Could it be a Kentucky Derby Trainers' Dinner without Dale Romans? More on that in a bit. But his under-the-radar 'TDN Rising Star' J Boys Echo (Mineshaft), an explosive winner of the GIII Gotham S., continues to look ready to erase that disappointing fourth in the GII Blue Grass S. while being guided through his morning preparations by Tammy Fox.
Considering the 50-degree or so temperature, it was pretty surprising to see Hence (Street Boss) getting so lathered up Wednesday morning, but he really has looked dynamite all week.
Oaks major player Farrell (Malibu Moon), a victress of four straight, including the GII Fair Grounds Oaks, was still out for training once the floodgates opened shortly after 9 a.m. as training hours began to wind down.
Fine Dining…
• It's never surprising to see Dale Romans win the crowd over. But Todd Pletcher, Mike Maker and Chad Brown, too? All four helped make for a very enjoyable evening–and for a good cause (Backside Learning Center and Healing Place Lifestyle Program of Churchill Downs)–at Tuesday's KTA/KTOB Kentucky Derby Trainers' Dinner… The reason for Pletcher's new facial hair this year? After having an elderly woman recently ask him at the airport if he was “D. Wayne Baffert,” Pletcher decided it was time for a new look… Maker revealed “a story for the ages” as co-host Jill Byrne put it about Derby longshot Fast and Accurate (Hansen) and owner Dr. Kendall Hansen and some lottery tickets while Brown also got the crowd going after replying that it simply “sucks” if you're one of the 19 horses that doesn't win on the First Saturday in May… Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin also helped provide some comedy, getting all 20 Derby runners (plus the two also eligibles) in a fantastic speech to kick off the evening. “If you wrote that speech, I wish I had voted for you,” Romans quipped as the place erupted. Well done all.
• With stunning views of downtown Louisville, including the wildly popular 4th Street Live! as well as the Ohio River, 8UP, the rooftop restaurant and bar at the Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Downtown, is one of the places to be the week of Kentucky Derby 143. Offering a wide variety of bourbon selections and “Progressive American Cuisine,” whether you're looking to grab a quick bite and/or drink, check out a game or simply sit back and enjoy the view while sitting by the fire pits, you won't be disappointed. Here's hoping that the forecasted wet weather stays away this weekend!
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