Catching Freedom Begins Breezing For Kentucky Derby

Albaugh Family Stables' Louisiana Derby (G2) winner Catching Freedom  began his workout preparations for the 150th running of the $5 million Kentucky Derby (G1) May 4 with a half-mile move in :48 2/5 April 5 at Churchill Downs.

Trained by Brad Cox, Catching Freedom worked at 5:30 a.m. ET with exercise rider Edvin Vargas in the saddle. The duo cruised through an opening quarter-mile in :24 and galloped out five furlongs in 1:01 1/5.

Kentucky Derby contender Catching Freedom finishing up an easy half-mile move this morning at Churchill Downs in :48.40. #KyDerby pic.twitter.com/AavXmvnNHk

— Kevin Kerstein (@HorseRacingKK) April 5, 2024

"He's settled in nicely since we shipped him back to Churchill from Fair Grounds," Cox said. "He was impressive closing from that far back in the Louisiana Derby, and I think the (long) stretch at Churchill plus the mile-and-a-quarter should only help him in the Derby."

Catching Freedom, a son of Constitution  , is 3-0-1 in five starts, having also won a maiden race at Churchill Downs last fall and the Jan. 1 Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park. 

About two hours after Catching Freedom completed his work, stablemate Tarifa , the Godolphin-owned winner of the Fair Grounds Oaks (G2), breezed a half-mile in :49 1/5 in preparation for the May 3 Kentucky Oaks (G1).

As of Friday, four Kentucky Derby possible starters were on the grounds at Churchill Downs: Catching Freedom, Endlessly , Honor Marie  and Track Phantom .

Endlessly is slated to work April 6, while Honor Marie and Track Phantom have scheduled breezes April 7.