2007 Kentucky Derby – Down The Stretch: Early Update From Derby Week

Here we go punters; we are coming down to the wire. Let’s see what went on over the weekend:

• Hard Spun turned heads fast as he gave one of the fastest workouts in Derby Week history. Flying at 57.60 for five furlongs drew whistles and attention.

• Todd Pletcher’s stable took the attitude of nice and easy wins the race in preparation for Saturday. Any Given Saturday, Circular Quay, Sam P, and Scat Daddy — after working hard on Sunday — went against conventional wisdom of walking the day after work and instead went for easy jogs. Cowtown Cat, who took Saturday and Sunday off, worked a bit more.

• Great Hunter and Liquidity were both relaxed according to trainer Doug O’ Neil. Both were really composed for their first day at the track.

• Curlin breezed for four furlongs on Monday morning in 48.40. As the current favorite for the Derby, “He breezed nicely,” said Steve Assussen. “I feel comfortable about the way he got over the racetrack.” The other Asmussen horse, Zanjero, also did a 48.40 half-mile.

• Nobiz Like Shobiz ran a five-furlong 59.98 on Sunday at Belmont. He won’t arrive to Churchill Downs until Wednesday; just like trainer Barclay Tagg did with his 2003 Derby winner Funny Cide.

• Dominican had a light workout this morning after driving 5-furlongs in 59.40 yesterday.

More horses are making their way to Churchill Downs today and tomorrow.