White Abarrio Fires Bullet at Gulfstream

C2 Racing Stable and La Milagrosa Stable’s White Abarrio  returned to the Gulfstream Park worktab the morning of April 17 with a bullet three-furlong breeze in preparation for a scheduled start in the May 7 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1).

“The way he worked today gives me a lot of confidence, the way he came back and the way he worked first work back, knowing we have three weeks to go,” trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. said. “I think we’re in a good position. Three weeks is long time, but I like where we’re at.”

With jockey Junior Alvarado aboard, White Abarrio was timed in :34.55, the fastest of 41 workouts recorded at the distance, in his first breeze since capturing the April 2 Curlin Florida Derby Presented by Hill 'n' Dale Farms at Xalapa (G1). Tyler Gaffalione, who guided the colt to victory in the Florida Derby, has the Kentucky Derby mount.

“Visually, it was as impressive as his time. Sometimes he can work quick and not look as impressive, but today, it was an easy work in a quick time,” Joseph said.

The 3-year-old son of Race Day  will complete his serious preparation for the Derby at Gulfstream before shipping to Churchill Downs.

“Next week, he’ll probably go five-eighths. His last work, I haven’t decided what he’ll do yet. We’ll play it by ear,” Joseph said.

White Abarrio currently sits in third on the Road to the Kentucky Derby Leaderboard with 112 points.