Danon Bourbon and Wonder Dean, the two Japan-based Kentucky Derby (G1) contenders, put in leisurely 4-furlong workouts at Churchill Downs on Tuesday.
Danon Bourbon, unbeaten in three career starts in Japan, breezed 4 furlongs in 52.80 seconds; Japan-bred Wonder Dean, winner of the UAE Derby (G2), went 4 furlongs in 54.60.
Danon Bourbon is 20-1 and leaves from post 7 in Saturday’s Derby, while Wonder Dean is 30-1 and breaks from post 10.
Kate Hunter, speaking on behalf of Danon Bourbon’s connections, said the colt continues to handle Churchill Downs well.
“He seems to be moving over the track well, and they are really hopeful his pedigree will shine through,” Hunter said of the Kentucky-bred son of Maxfield. “I think a ‘breeze’ may not be entirely accurate with what they like to do the week of a race, but they were very happy with how he went.”
As for Wonder Dean, exercise rider Takuya Nakana said he was pleased with the final workout before the Derby.
“Everything went great, according to plan,” Nakano said, who is overseeing the handling of the colt for trainer Daisuke Takayanagi. “I feel like he is taking to the track well. We will see tomorrow [Wednesday] how tired he is. He will probably just walk.
“He has been here almost a month now, and he really seems to be enjoying the environment being closer to other horses.’’
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
