Hofburg Logs First Breeze For Kentucky Derby
In his first work since a runner-up effort in the Xpressbet Florida Derby (G1), Juddmonte Farms' Hofburg cruised through a half-mile in :49.02 April 15 at Payson Park Training Center to prepare for a start in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1).
The Florida Derby was the third start of Hofburg's career. He finished fourth at Saratoga Race Course in his September debut and broke his maiden at Gulfstream Park March 3. Trainer Bill Mott, who missed a connecting flight Saturday night from Charlotte, N.C., because of mechanical problems leaving Louisville, said he was pleased with the work after talking to assistant trainer Neil Poznansky and fellow trainer Christophe Clement, who is also stabled at Payson in Indiantown, Fla.
Hofburg, a homebred son of Tapit who finished three lengths behind Florida Derby winner Audible and 7 3/4 lengths in front of third-place finisher Mississippi, is light on experience but "pretty professional acting," according to Mott.
"I understand he's short on seasoning in comparison to any horse who's had six or eight starts, but it looks like a few of them are not as hardened or seasoned as they would've been in the 1970s or '80s," he said. "But this horse was very professional down at Gulfstream Park, he's done everything right, and he takes the dirt well, and that's a good thing, particularly when you're not a so-called speed horse. You have to be able to take the kickback and stay in the race, so he seems to be able to do that."
"I have complete confidence in my staff," the Hall of Fame horseman said. "They all pulled together very well, and that's why it went well this morning."
My Boy Jack walked the shedrow at Keeneland and was in good order the morning of April 15, a day after rallying to win the $200,000 Stonestreet Lexington Stakes (G3) and earn a spot in the starting gate for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1).
"He ate up everything last night and this morning he is very bright and acting like he didn't even run," said Julie Clark, assistant to trainer Keith Desormeaux. "He was a little tired after shipping here Wednesday, but now he is a happy horse."
Clark said My Boy Jack would likely ship to Churchill Downs April 21. He will give Desormeaux a Derby starter for the third consecutive year.
By Ritesh jamkhedkar-Riteshjamkhedkar@secretariatsworld.com