Daily
Report From Churchill Downs: 4/29
by Turf Angels Staff
This morning proved to be another typical day at Churchill Downs, if you can call anything in Derby week typical. With all of the major contenders having finished their works, there was nothing to be done today except maintanence. Halfbridled goofed off for admirers by sticking her tongue out repeatedly, then throwing her head up and looking elegant, much as she did last year when she was the champion filly in America.
Castledale, stunning and handsome, appeared statuesque in the grass outside of his stall, despite the fact that there was a crush of people around one horse: Tapit.
 Castledale 4/29 |
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The arrival of Tapit came with much fanfare, as the lightly framed gray colt went to the track with trainer Michael Dickinson, and then walked the shedrow. Both Castledale and Tapit were tremendously well poised during the whole experience. We then visited with Pro Prado, another one of our favorites. He has quietly been looking phenomenal all week and might be a surprise on Derby Day.
 Tapit 4/29 |
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 Song of the Sword 4/29 |
 Limehouse 4/29 |
Limehouse and Song of the Sword lined up with Borrego after the break.
Song of the Sword was circled and did handle the crowd well. Friends Lake
joined them on the track shortly, and then the Cal-bred filly Silent Sighs
was also on the track, followed by Minister Eric and Hollywood Story.
Friends Lake was given his bath at the same time as Song of the Sword,
who was virtually ignored by reporters as owner Ernie Paragallo fawned
over the colt. Silent Sighs is in the barn across from them, with the
talented Fire Slam one barn over.
 Friends Lake 4/29 |
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In the afternoon, several Derby contenders were caught schooling in the paddock. Quintons Gold Rush was the best behaved of these, and has made a very dramatic improvement since arriving in Kentucky. Tapit schooled and was completely calm the entire time. Action This Day, Minister Eric, Borrego, and Friends Lake all schooled at the same time, with Friends Lake being fully tacked up and riden around the paddock.
 Quintons Gold Rush 4/29 |
 Tapit 4/29 |
 Borrego 4/29 |
 Friends Lake 4/29 |
 Action This Day 4/29 |
 Minister Eric 4/29 |
