McCraken winning the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (gr. II) at Churchill Downs – Coady Photography
With the $1 million Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. II) at Keeneland less than two weeks away, Kentucky Derby favorite McCraken continued his preparations for the nine-furlong Derby prep by breezing six furlongs at Keeneland on March 27th.
Working in company with stablemate Nessy, a four-year-old allowance runner, McCraken started several lengths behind his companion, then rallied up the rail on the turn to take command and pull away to stop the clock in 1:13.40. According to Keeneland clockers, McCraken posted fractions of :25.20, :38 flat, :50 flat, and 1:01.60 before galloping-out five furlongs in 1:25.40.
WATCH McCraken’s work this morning at #Keeneland in preparation for the @Toyota Blue Grass. The colt worked 6F in 1:13.40. pic.twitter.com/kWHBr4XiHx
— Keeneland Racing (@keenelandracing) March 27, 2017
Trained by Ian Wilkes, McCraken is unbeaten in four starts, including the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (gr. II) at Churchill Downs. Although a slight ankle issue caused him to miss the Tampa Bay Derby (gr. II) earlier this month, McCraken has trained sharply since that setback and remains on target for the Derby.
If you enjoyed this article, be sure to sign up for email newsletters and special offers from The Turf Board!
