Coady Photography
Churchill Downs Press Release: Kentucky Derby contender Girvin recorded his first breeze since winning the TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (Grade II) with a half-mile move in :47.80 on Saturday morning at Trackside Louisville, Churchill Downs’ satellite training center located five miles from the home of the Derby.
Girvin, with regular exercise rider and former jockey Rosie Napravnik aboard, breezed in company with stablemate Cool Arrow. The official clocker caught the 3-year-old son of Tale of Ekati in splits of :11.60, :23 and :35.20 before galloping out five furlongs in 1:02.80 over a fast surface.
“It was a little quicker than I would have liked for his first work back,” said 32-year-old trainer Joe Sharp. “Both he and Cool Arrow were on the bridle which is good. Rosie was happy with it and he seems to be cooling out well which will set him up for his work next week.”
Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, who has signed on to ride the colt on the first Saturday in May, will fly to Louisville, Ky. for next week’s workout. Sharp was unsure if Girvin would breeze at Trackside Louisville or van to Churchill Downs.
Girvin has a career record of 4-3-1-0 with all three wins coming at Fair Grounds. Prior to his 1 ¼-length triumph in the Louisiana Derby, the colt was the two-length conqueror of the Feb. 25 Risen Star (GII).
Girvin will be owner Brad Grady and Sharp’s first Kentucky Derby entrant.
If you enjoyed this article, be sure to sign up for email newsletters and special offers from The Turf Board!
