The road to the Kentucky Derby is heating up as top contenders continue their preparation. Monday’s workout tab featured key performances by several Derby hopefuls, including Poster and Coal Battle. These horses are gaining attention for their strong potential in the upcoming races. Let’s take a closer look at these updates.
Poster: A Rising Star on the Derby Trail
Poster, trained by Eoin Harty, delivered an impressive three-furlong workout at the Three Diamonds Training Center in Lexington. Clocking in at 36.22 seconds, it was the fastest time of two recorded workouts for that distance on Monday.
This undefeated colt is coming off a spectacular win in the Grade 2 Remsen Stakes, his stakes debut, on December 7. With three consecutive victories, Poster is quickly becoming a horse to watch. While he wasn’t listed as an individual option in the latest Kentucky Derby Future Wager pool, his current odds in Las Vegas stand at 45-1.
Coal Battle: A Consistent Competitor
Coal Battle, another promising contender, completed a four-furlong workout at Oaklawn in 49.4 seconds, placing 28th out of 87 recorded works at that distance. This was his first workout since winning the Remington Springboard Mile on December 13, which earned him 10 points on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard.
Trained by Lonnie Briley, Coal Battle has a record of three wins from five starts, including a victory in the Jean Laffitte Stakes. Despite being a long shot with 100-1 odds in Las Vegas, Coal Battle’s consistency and resilience make him a noteworthy challenger.
Other Notable Monday Workouts
Several other Derby prospects logged workouts on Monday:
- Big Boat (Nyquist): Worked five furlongs in 1:00.6 at Oaklawn, ranking fourth fastest of 22 works. This was his first workout since placing second in an allowance race.
- Studlydoright (Nyquist): Clocked six furlongs in 1:16.6 at Laurel Park, the faster of two works at this distance. He last raced in the Remsen Stakes, finishing fourth.
- Voila Magic (Volatile): Completed three furlongs in 39.4 seconds at Fair Grounds, placing sixth of seven workouts. He finished fourth in his last start in the Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile.
Sunday’s Highlights: Top Performers on the Trail
Workouts on Sunday also showcased potential Derby contenders:
- Barnes (Into Mischief): Delivered the fastest six-furlong workout at Santa Anita, clocking in at 1:12.8. He recently won a maiden race at Churchill Downs.
- Tiztastic (Tiz the Law): Worked four furlongs in 51 seconds at Fair Grounds, following a third-place finish in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2).
The preparation for the 2024 Kentucky Derby is in full swing, with top prospects sharpening their skills. Poster and Coal Battle have shown their potential as serious contenders, each delivering solid workouts and notable race performances.
As the Derby approaches, these workouts give a glimpse of each horse’s form and readiness. For fans and bettors alike, staying updated on these developments will be key to understanding who could shine on racing’s biggest stage. The Derby trail is not just about winning; it’s about proving consistency, resilience, and readiness for the challenge ahead.
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