I might be biased, but I really like the way McCraken looked in that work. Very relaxed, flickering his ears. He doesn't look like a very big horse, but he is quick and agile, and all-business off the turn.

I didn't like Always Dreaming's work as much. Still learning? I don't trust that he will relax completely.

Hi Cree,
Yes, I agree...McCraken has the edge, but have to see how Always Dreaming comes out of his breeze. If that breeze took him down a peg or two and he goes back to rating kindly as he always did...it will be another story. He was keyed up for the two days he was at CD prior to the breeze and what I heard was, when JV breezed him, he didn't take him back very far for fear he would get to strong on him. So they both had a little wrestling match heading to the pole, rather than giving him a longer gallop to settle prior, as he was afraid he might run-off with him. Horses never settle as well for the jocks and when they jack up those irons the horse knows it isn't play time...so considering that, I'd say JV did a pretty good job with him to get the work in without a real situation. As opposed to McCraken's rider who was sitting on a push button car:>) He was strolling along checking his stop watch to make sure he got the work right. Ya gotta love these horses...no two alike:>) TJ

No video's of Always Dreaming galloping...but clocker Mike Welsch, reports he's getting out early for his gallops. That being said he also reports he's still rank (on the verge of running off)...so the work did nothing to settle him and if this continues, it could be his undoing? Pletcher on the other hand doesn't seem worried...he praised his last work and said he's happy with him?? TJ

The Always Dreaming saga continues. Pletcher changed exercise riders today and added draw reins, which will be used daily when AD gallops. Here's more. TJ
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/ ... draw-reins

Today Asmussen sent out his Derby prospects...as is the norm, he sends his horses an easy 1/2 mile 5 days prior to a race....usually in 50-51 seconds. Untrapped and Lookin at Lee both went in 50.40 and 50.20 respectively. What was noteworthy though was Hence. The handsome chestnut went his 1/2 mile in 48.40 indicating that he may be coming into this race at the top of his game. Watch the work below. TJ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIQf9zzVfVk

Hence is one of my favourites - he gets over the track so easily. He really did not look like he was going that fast.

Nice! Loved how Hence just smoothly rolled on the throttle. I thought he looked great!

Hence is one of my favorites too!