Rock Your World, Hot Rod Charlie Tune Up for Derby

Hronis Racing and Talla Racing's undefeated Runhappy Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner Rock Your World  had his final workout April 24 at Santa Anita Park for the May 1 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) at Churchill Downs.

The Candy Ride   colt worked five furlongs in :59 1/5 with Cerapio Figueroa up while in company with stablemate Best Chance , who was clocked in 1:00. Rock Your World departs for Kentucky Sunday along with his trainer John Sadler.

"He breezed very well," said Sadler, who is seeking his first win in the Run for the Roses. "He looked good, nice, and smooth. It was kind of a repeat of last week. We didn't want to do too much because he's right where he wants to be already. We're happy."

Sadler plans to jog Rock Your World Monday, April 26, at Churchill and gallop Tuesday and Wednesday, "but the schedule could be tinkered with slightly depending on the weather," he said.

Trainer Doug O'Neill sent Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby (G2) winner Hot Rod Charlie  out for his final Kentucky Derby prep at 12:09 p.m. PT April 24 at Santa Anita, as the Oxbow   colt traveled six furlongs 1:13 3/5 under Flavien Prat, who will pilot him next Saturday in the Run for the Roses.

Roadrunner Racing, Boat Racing, and William Strauss' Hot Rod Charlie came on the main track outside his lead pony and stablemate Chasing Fame  via Santa Anita's quarter-mile chute, galloped through the stretch, and was set down while one length behind his work partner at the five-furlong pole. He tracked his company to the top of the lane where he assumed command and worked past the wire to the seven-furlong pole through splits of :24.46, :48.94, and 1:00.90.

Santa Anita timer Dane Nelson had Hot Rod Charlie galloping out seven furlongs in 1:27.43.

"I'm extremely grateful to the Santa Anita racing department for letting us work after training hours and before the races," said O'Neill, who won the Kentucky Derby in 2012 with I'll Have Another   and in 2016 with Nyquist  . "I love the fresh track and not having to worry about traffic. I'm real happy with the way he breezed. We're all set. Looking forward to getting him to Churchill and finding out what our post position will be on Tuesday."

As a juvenile, Hot Rod Charlie was second beaten three-quarters of a length by likely Kentucky Derby favorite Essential Quality  in the Nov. 6 TVG Breeders' Cup Juvenile Presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G1) at Keeneland.

"I loved the way he went," said Prat, who was also aboard for a six-furlong work in 1:14 1/5 April 17 at Santa Anita. "He went really easy and he went a solid three quarters, with a good gallop out. I loved his energy and the way he went by his stablemate. Essential Quality is the favorite and we're one of many horses who have a good chance. There's no pressure and I'm really excited to be riding this horse."

Hot Rod Charlie will be flown to Louisville early Sunday morning and will gallop and/or jog throughout the week over the Churchill Downs main track.

Gary Barber's Get Her Number  worked five furlongs in 1:02 1/5 Saturday at San Luis Rey Training Center, but afterward trainer Peter Miller reported the Dialed In   colt will bypass the Kentucky Derby. The defection put Keepmeinmind  into the Derby field and Brooklyn Strong  at No. 21.