Routine, Quiet Oaks Morning on Backside

It was a routine, quiet morning in the stable area of Churchill Downs May 6, with the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) entrants on the track early for their routine exercise.

There were no defections from Saturday’s Derby by the 9 a.m. EDT Friday deadline for scratches, meaning Laoban and Cherry Wine, the two also-eligibles, did not draw into the 20-horse field for the classic.

With limited training hours because of an early first race post time for the Longines Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) card, most of the Derby and Oaks horses went to the track during the 5:45-6 a.m. period set aside for them to be on the track.

Trainer Doug O’Neill sent probable Derby favorite Nyquist out at 7 a.m. for a two-mile jog while accompanied by Satire, the stable pony with assistant trainer Jack Sisterson aboard.

“He’s thriving and we’re very optimistic,” O’Neill said of his confidence level for the 1 1/4-mile classic.

The lack of the usual defections or other major developments leading up to this year’s Derby was in fact a topic of conversation in the barn area.

“It has been really quiet, but I say that with great trepidation,” said John Asher, vice president of communications for Churchill Downs. “Normally, in the three weeks before the Oaks and Derby something happens. It was too bad that Songbird wasn’t able to make the Oaks, but that’s been about it.”

With the weather front that had brought rain and colder temperatures to the area Wednesday and Thursday, Friday dawned bright and sunny, perfect timing for will bewhat is expected to be another large day at Churchill.

Churchill reported a record Thursday crowd of 39,213 for the program that has been dubbed “Thurby” by the track. The featured $100,000 Kentucky Juvenile for 2-year-olds was won by the Wesley Ward-trained filly Silvertoni.

“People are excited,” Asher said of the potential for a record Oaks crowd. “It has been a great week, with a record crowd for each of those particular days.”

As to what he expects on Derby day, Asher said; "All you want is for the horses to get the opportunity to do their best.”