El Kabeir Walks Shedrow, Dortmund Gallops

While most of the contenders for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) were on the track April 28 after shipping to Churchill Downs over the past few days, multiple graded stakes winner El Kabeir only walked the shedrow under the care of trainer John Terranova II.

The New York horseman said a "walk day" is typical for his horses after shipping, as the 3-year-old Scat Daddy   colt vanned down from the Empire State and arrived in Louisville early the morning of April 27.

"We talked about it this morning and thought we'd give him another day," Terranova said. "Long van ride and everything; he's done enough, had a big work on Saturday, so we'll get out there tomorrow. We'll go out at the regular time (8:30 a.m. EDT) with everybody else."

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"He's super-fit, so we just kind of let him relax and settle in here," the trainer added. "We just want to make sure the tank's full. Not many questions for him to answer. Just let him settle in and keep him happy all week."

Contenders who went to the track after shipping in the previous day were Toyota Blue Grass (gr. I) winner Carpe Diem, who galloped a circuit on the muscle, and Louisiana Derby (gr. II) victor International Star, who also appeared bright and focused in his morning gallop and earned a positive review from trainer Mike Maker.

"He's a laid-back horse, but this morning at Churchill he was more on the bridle than he generally is, so he's going in the right way," Maker said. "He's kind of squealing and biting and playing... he's dappled head to toe."

United Arab Emirates Derby (gr. II) winner Mubtaahij also tried the track for the first time after vanning down from Arlington International Racecourse.

In a late-morning press conference, trainer Mike de Kock said he was pleased with Mubtaahij's first look at the Twin Spires.

"He's quite a character; he doesn't get too fazed by much. He didn't raise a sweat all this morning and I decided to give him a canter as well," de Kock said. "He's kept up his appetite and his bright demeanor."

Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert was also pleased with the first gallop of undefeated Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) winner Dortmund, who had only jogged April 27 after arriving April 26.

"He actually goes over this track so much better than he does at Santa Anita, which is crazy," Baffert said. "Santa Anita is a little bit harder. But I can tell by his movement, he's more fluid over this track, and I was really happy with what I saw with him today."