Thunder Snow takes to Churchill Downs
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Thunder Snow took to the track at Churchill Downs for the first time since clearing quarantine ahead of the Kentucky Derby.
The UAE Derby winner jogged once around before galloping a mile on Tuesday. He arrived in the U.S. on April 30 from England, and the USDA required him to spend 42 hours in quarantine.
Thunder Snow represents Godolphin Racing, owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum. He's the ruler of Dubai.
Exercise rider Daragh O'Donohue says Thunder Snow usually gallops alone in Dubai so the colt wasn't used to the number of horses working out on the track in preparation for Saturday's Derby.
O'Donohoe says Thunder Snow's behavior was "exceptional" and the colt floated over the track.
Godolphin Racing is 0 for 9 in the Derby, a race the Arabs have been trying to win since 1999. The stable's best finish was fourth with Frosted two years ago under American-born trainer Kiaran McLaughlin.
Lukas to contribute to Derby Museum
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Derby Museum says it will become the permanent home for items collected by thoroughbred trainer D. Wayne Lukas, a four-time Derby winner who has saddled 48 horses to run for the roses.
The museum said in a statement on that that the collection includes trophies from the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Oaks and the Breeders' Cup in addition to other awards and photos.
Lukas said in the statement that the museum was the "ideal fit to protect and showcase my legacy for many years to come."
In addition to the Derby, Lukas has several other awards and recognitions including six Preakness wins and four Belmont victories.
The museum says his collection will be housed there by the end of summer.
Paradise Woods 5-2 choice in $1 million Kentucky Oaks
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Paradise Woods is the 5-2 favorite for the $1 million Kentucky Oaks on Friday at Churchill Downs.
The Oaks, the premier stakes for 3-yearold fillies, drew a full field of 14 with Summer Luck standing by as an "also eligible" in the event of a scratch.
Paradise Woods, racing away from Santa Anita for the first time, will be making only her fourth start for Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella.
She set the pace in her January debut, finishing second. Next time out, Paradise Woods won by 4 lengths.
That was the warmup for the Santa Anita Oaks, an 11 length romp.
Flavien Prat will be aboard from Post 4. Miss Sky Warrior is the 9-2 second choice following her win in the Gazelle Stakes at Aqueduct. Paco Lopez rides for trainer Kelly Breen from Post 10.
The full field, with odds, in post-position order: Ever So Clever, 20-1; Lockdown, 20-1; Mopotism, 20-1; Paradise Woods, 5-2; Jordan's Henny, 30-1; Vexatious, 201; Farrell, 5-1; Sailor's Valentine, 30-1; Wicked Lick, 30-1; Miss Sky Warrior, 9-2; Tequilita, 20-1; Daddys Lil Darling, 20-1; Abel Tasman, 5-1 and Salty, 6-1.