Hidden Stash Fires Bullet Ahead of Likely Derby Start

BBN Racing's Hidden Stash  began preparations for a likely start in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) by working a half-mile in :47 4/5 April 14 at Keeneland shortly after the track opened for training at 5:30 a.m. ET. The work was the fastest of 23 at the distance for the morning.

Working in company with 4-year-old gelding and allowance winner Kentucky Ghost  and unraced 3-year-old filly Social Chatter, Hidden Stash produced fractions of :12 3/5, :24 2/5, :36 3/5, and :47 4/5, catching up to his workmates at the wire after starting eight lengths back. He galloped out five furlongs in 1:00 and six furlongs in 1:13 4/5 over a fast track with jockey Rafael Bejarano aboard.

Hidden Stash is 21st on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard with 32 points. The top 20 point earners to pass the entry box will be in the starting gate for the May 1 feature at Churchill Downs. A few horses ahead of Hidden Stash on the leaderboard are considered not likely to enter.

Last out Hidden Stash was fourth in the April 3 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G2) at Keeneland. In his two prior starts at Tampa Bay Downs, the Constitution   colt was second in the March 6 Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby (G2) and third in the Feb. 6 Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3).

Wednesday's work put to rest any concerns trainer Vicki Oliver might have had about Hidden Stash being tired following his Blue Grass run.

"I thought he worked really well and we beat the rain," Oliver said, referring to a steady rain that began at 6:15 a.m. "I was going to work Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. I was watching the weather, and I wanted to get a decent work in, so we went this morning."

Oliver plans to work Hidden Stash again on Saturday, April 24 and ship to Churchill Downs the morning of Tuesday, April 27. The chestnut colt is familiar with Churchill, where he raced twice last year and picked up one of his two career victories there in an allowance optional claiming race.

Bred in Kentucky by Rhineshire Farm, Hidden Stash is the third foal out of the Smart Strike mare Making Mark Money. He was purchased by his current owner for $50,000 out of the consignment of Vinery Sales, agent for his breeder, at the 2019 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.

Hidden Stash has earned $231,062 from a 2-1-2 record in seven career starts.