While trainer Todd Pletcher will meet owner Oussama Aboughazale before making a final decision, Sumaya US Stable’s Medina’s Pioneers seems to have beaten his Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) tickets with a strong workout on April 25 at Churchill Downs.
“I think you can put in all the coach stereotypes you want,” Pletcher said after his son Pioneers of the Nile breezed five furlongs in: 59 4/5. “Very good job. Well done. Good finish. Strong gallop. Looks like he’s handling things the way you’d expect.”
Fastest exercise of eight at distance on Monday’s fastest main track at Churchill.
Pioneer of Medina placed 21st on the Road to Kentucky Derby list of active candidates the previous Sunday No. 15 Morello dropped from Derby consideration because of a foot problem. With Morelo In addition, the Pioneer of Medina is guaranteed a slot in the field capped at 20.
Pletcher said Sunday that Monday’s work will help determine if the Pioneer of Medina is included in the 1 1/4 mile classic scheduled for May 7 in Churchill. The Medina pioneer has delivered on that front, and assuming the horse remains healthy after the work, he is still considering Derby.
“I think the work confirmed, showed us what we were hoping to see and now we’ll see how he comes out of it, talks to Mr Aboughazale and makes a decision,” said Pletcher. speak.
Campaigned by Sumaya US Stable, Pioneer of Medina won 25 Road to the Kentucky Derby points this winter and spring at Fair Grounds & Slots. He most recently finished third in the TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (G2) on April 2 after finishing fourth in the Risen Star Stakes presented by Lamarque Ford (G2) in February.
“One thing that we like about him is that he seems to have improved a bit with each warm-up,” Pletcher said. “He’s had a good breeze on the track… We’ll see how he gets out of this and see what Mr Aboughazale wants to do but I think we’ve seen what we hope to see. this morning in terms of really good work.”
Pletcher, who said on Monday that all his Derby hopefuls are in good practice, will be on track for this year’s three Derby runners-up if the Pioneer of Medina is involved. Those runner-ups include Wood Memorial Stakes winner presented by Resorts World Casino (G2) Mo Donegal and Curlin Florida Derby presented by Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa (G1) runner-up Charge it .
