McCraken winning the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (gr. II) at Churchill Downs – Coady Photography
The unbeaten Kentucky Derby favorite McCraken, who missed the March 11th Tampa Bay Derby (gr. II) due to a minor ankle issue, turned in a strong workout on March 20th at Keeneland that suggests he’s back in good form and ready to resume his quest for the Derby.
The son of Ghostzapper breezed five furlongs in a quick 1:00 flat, posting fractions of :12.60, :26.20, :37.20, and :48.20 according to Keeneland clockers. McCraken’s time was the fastest of seven morning workouts at that distance, with the second-best time being 1:00.40.
WATCH: #McCraken works 5f in 1:00 this morning at #Keeneland in prep for @Toyota Blue Grass (G2). Splits: 12.60, 26.20, 37.20, 48.20, 1:00 pic.twitter.com/kpoIzRabF6
— Keeneland Racing (@keenelandracing) March 20, 2017
Trained by Ian Wilkes, McCraken has compiled a perfect 4-for-4 record so far, including wins in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (gr. II) and the Sam F. Davis Stakes (gr. III). He is currently targeting a start in the $1,000,000 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) on April 8th at Keeneland, where he could face the reigning champion two-year-old Classic Empire.
If you enjoyed this article, be sure to sign up for email newsletters and special offers from The Turf Board!
