Kentucky Derby workouts: Orb impresses at Churchill Downs

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Orb’s much-anticipated final Kentucky Derby prep Monday morning at Churchill Downs was everything expected - perhaps more. With regular exercise rider Jenn Paterson aboard, Orb breezed an easy as can be half-mile in 47.89 before galloping out a terrific five-eighths in 1:00.98 and pulling up six furlongs in 1:14.83.

The work was reminiscent of Orb’s final breeze at Payson Park prior to winning the Grade 1 Florida Derby - perhaps better - and as was the case that morning came in company with stablemate Overwhelming.

Orb was one of four potential Derby starters to work following the renovation break here Monday. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas sent out his Derby duo, Oxbow and Will Take Charge, while Winning Cause breezed for trainer Todd Pletcher. His starting status for the Derby was likely to be decided later in the day.

Oxbow went five furlongs in 59.82 with jockey Gary Stevens aboard. Will Take Charge worked the same distance in 1:00.82, tiring late after a 35.20 opening three-furlong split. Winning Cause, going in company with the Pletcher-trained Red Rifle, breezed an easy half-mile in 48.46.

Govenor Charlie was expected to work Monday, but instead just open-galloped down the stretch alongside the Bob Baffert-trained Power Broker.