Current News for Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks

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.”