Dortmund Runs Easy in Final Derby Drill
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Kaleem Shah's Dortmund recorded his final timed workout in preparation for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), covering six furlongs in 1:13 3/5 April 25 at Santa Anita Park.
Trainer Bob Baffert had the son of Big Brown at 1:01 through five furlongs and was happy the workout went easy with Martin Garcia aboard.
"He worked fast last time, maybe a little too fast," the trainer said of Dortmund's bullet :58 4/5 drill April 18. "We didn't let him do that today, but he's ready. A slow work you can make up for. You can't make up for a fast work."
Shah was also in attendance to take in the breeze and said he'll be arriving in Kentucky April 28.
"I've been so busy with work, but it's in the back of my mind," Shah said of the Derby. "I'm not getting caught up in the moment yet. We're getting there Tuesday night, so at that time, I'm sure it'll be a little more. It's just exciting to be part of such an event."
Baffert said Dortmund will ship to Churchill Downs early the morning of April 26. It will be the second trip to race outside of California for the colt. As a 2-year-old, he won an allowance/optional claiming event at Churchill at the end of November.
"That was a long time ago," Baffert said. "It doesn't mean anything now. What's more important is what's going on right now."