Sharp: Girvin Still on Track for Kentucky Derby

Amidst growing speculation regarding the status and health of Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby (G2) winner Girvin, trainer Joe Sharp said April 26 the colt is still on track to have his last serious workout for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) in the coming days.

Sharp said Girvin did not train Wednesday morning at Keeneland as part of a scheduled day off, but is set to return to the track April 27. He acknowledged Brad Grady's multiple graded stakes winner has visited the Kentucky Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center facility in Versailles, Ky., to use the hyperbaric chamber, a treatment he previously used on his charge at Evangeline Downs Training Center after Girvin broke his maiden in December.

"He didn't leave the grounds today. He was here. He had been going over to KESMARC to use the hyperbaric chamber earlier in the week," Sharp said between races at Keeneland Wednesday. "Today was his day off, but he'll be back at the track tomorrow. He'll work Friday or Saturday. We haven't decided which day."

When asked if Girvin was currently battling foot issues, Sharp referenced the foot issue the colt previously battled earlier in the year before running second in a one-mile overnight stakes on the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots turf Feb. 4.

"He had an issue we made public back in January, so yeah, he has a history of having some issues," Sharp said.

Video: Girvin at Keeneland, April 24

Sharp stated last week he planned to work Girvin at Keeneland April 24, but opted instead to jog the colt that day. During an NTRA teleconference April 25, Sharp explained that he "had a decision to make whether I wanted to try and squeeze in two works or have one solid work. He's a horse that's never missed a day—never missed a pattern.

"People will probably dissect and analyze the moves. But, you know, if I win I'll be a hero. If I lose I'll be the young trainer that made mistakes. I'm confident. Like I said, I'm doing the right thing for the horse, so that's all that matters."

Sharp made the decision to shift Girvin from his base at Trackside Training Center in Louisville to Keeneland last week, saying he wanted to take advantage of Keeneland's all-weather training track and what he called a more relaxed environment.

"In my opinion he's just kind of stable, and just relaxed and trying every day without any interruptions," Sharp said. "It's been enjoyable for all of us. We have markets across the street, we have good grass, we have everything right there at our fingertips. I think it would be foolish not to take advantage of the ability to have him there."