While some starters may be targeting preps this weekend, depending on the weather, Bill Mott ran his Derby and Oaks horses together.
The 150th running of the $5 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (GI) and the $1.5 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI) will take place on a gorgeous Thursday morning at Churchill Downs. Trainer Bill Mott's barn was busy with activity as Emily Bushnell & Ric Waldman's Wood Memorial (Grade II) winner Resilience (4F, :50.20) and George Krikorian's Ashland (GI) runner-up Just F Y I (4F, :50) returned to the work tab to continue their preparations.
The skilled pair galloped about a mile before starting work together at 7:30 a.m. ET. I started one length behind Resilience and worked my way outside of it, just F Y. Just F Y and I finished together at the wire, but I surged ahead of Resilience by a short distance by the quarter-pole. As to Churchill Downs Clocker John Nichols, Resilience finished his five-furlong gallop out in 1:02.80, while Just F Y I finished in 1:03.40.
According to Mott, "I think (Resilience) had a great trip in the Wood Memorial." "I thought Johnny Velazquez did a great job riding him." Although he may have been a little stuck on the first curve, he managed to get clear down the backside. He answered his question and did a good job finishing. The nicest thing about him was his attractive appearance. This horse's entire family has a long history of success in the racetrack. Courageous Cat, whom I trained for a Grade I victory (in the Shoemaker Mile), is a member of the family. Resilience is just the outcome of the owners' extensive program, and they have a lengthy history in the breeding industry.”