Louisville, KY – April 29, 2024
As the anticipation builds for the 150th edition of the Kentucky Derby, contenders at Churchill Downs are putting the finishing touches on their preparations for the iconic race. With Derby Week officially underway, Monday morning saw a quiet yet purposeful atmosphere beneath the historic Twin Spires, as trainers and jockeys fine-tuned their strategies for the upcoming event.
While most horses completed their major training sessions, a select few, including Japanese hopefuls Forever Young (JPN) and T O Password (JPN), are scheduled for published workouts on Tuesday morning.
Among the notable contenders, Catalytic, owned by Tami Bobo, Julie Davies, and George Isaacs, walked the shedrow under the guidance of trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. Catalytic, coming off a solid workout on Sunday, is set to start from the No. 5 post as a 30-1 shot in the Derby.
Trainer Brad Cox’s trio of Catching Freedom, Encino, and Just a Touch also returned to the track for light jogs following their breezes on Saturday. Jockey Florent Geroux expressed confidence in Just a Touch’s prospects, highlighting the colt’s talent and readiness for the race.
Stablemates Sierra Leone and Domestic Product, trained by Chad Brown, made their appearances on Monday, each completing a jog around the Churchill Downs oval. Brown, seeking his first Kentucky Derby victory, expressed optimism about his chances with both contenders.
Trainer Danny Gargan’s duo, Dornoch and Society Man, resumed their training routines on Monday, with Dornoch showcasing a perfect gate schooling session. Gargan praised Society Man’s consistent demeanor, describing him as a “happy kind of guy” who brings positivity to the barn.
As Derby Day draws near, the excitement continues to build among trainers, jockeys, and fans alike, with each contender poised to make their mark on the historic milestone of the 150th Kentucky Derby.
