Wood Memorial (G2) Winner resilience and the 2023 champion, a 2-year-old filly Just letting you know Record their first time Churchill Downs spring training April 18 after competing in the respective Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) prep races nearly two weeks ago.
The pair worked together an easy half-mile at 7:30 a.m. ET after a break for repairs. Designed as a starting point for the next 16 days, Resilience is at: 50 1/5 and Just FYI at: 50.
“We will do more in the future,” Hall of Fame coach Bill Mott said.
The recovery started against Just FYI, who struggled as the pair approached the 5/8 pole before settling as the breeze began.
Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott’s Wood Memorial (G2) winner #Resilience (rider wearing black) and champion #JustFYI (white) records their first work @ChurchillDowns monitor. #Resilience Stopwatch: 50 1/5, #JustFYI in: 50. #KentuckyDerby #KentuckyOaks pic.twitter.com/LIZp3mWQAN
— Sean Collins (@BH_SCollins) April 18, 2024
“(Just so you know) there was a little bit of nervousness going into it,” Mott said. “She needs to relax.”
Mott spoke ahead of her runner-up performance in the April 5 Ashland Stakes (G1) at Keeneland that he wished he had one or two more breezes in her. Now with racing under her belt, the filly is headed toward the Kentucky Oaks. The May 3 Kentucky Oaks takes place the day before the May 4 Kentucky Derby.
Owner George Krikorian was also on hand to see his champion dog in action and said she looked “pretty strong”.
Rain could affect other competitors’ April 19 training plans as rain is forecast Thursday night into Friday morning in the Louisville, Ky., area. April 20 is the first day of a special practice period reserved for Derby and Oaks competitors from 7:30 to 7:45 a.m.
