It was a Bill Mott Monday morning at Churchill Downs as the Hall of Fame trainer sent out his Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) contenders, Resilience and champion Just F Y I.
Just FYI (Outside), Resilience (Inside)
Mott’s Resilience, Just F Y I work for Derby, Oaks
Fierceness, Sierra Leone arrive
Resilience, the Wood Memorial (G2) winner, worked 5 furlongs in 1:01.60 under jockey Junior Alvarado, who will be aboard for the May 4 Kentucky Derby.
“He’s the type of horse that has taken a little more time to mature than some others,” Mott said of his Into Mischief colt who posted his first win at fourth asking. “We took our time with his development and it’s seem to have worked out well.”
In his two most recent starts, he finished fourth in the Risen Star (G2) and won the Wood by 2¼ lengths to make the Kentucky Derby field. John Velazquez, who rode Resilience in his last three races, will be aboard Fierceness in the Kentucky Derby.
Ashland Stakes (G1) runner-up Just F Y I worked a sharp 5 furlongs in 59.80 under Alvarado. The 2-year-old filly champion spiked a fever and was scratched from the Davona Dale on March 2 in what was supposed to be her 3-year-old debut.
“She’s a very nice filly and we had a minor setback with her this winter when she developed a fever,’’ Mott said. “It’s one of those situations where we hoped she’d get over the virus quickly to return training, and she did.”
Fierceness arrives; Sierra Leone gallops…
Fierceness.
Arrived.
Safe and sound. ❤️ 🙏 💪 pic.twitter.com/LgyTRx60vO— Repole Stable (@RepoleStable) April 22, 2024
Florida Derby (G1) winner Fierceness arrived at Churchill Downs from Palm Beach Downs … Blue Grass Stakes (G1) winner Sierra Leone had his first day of training at the track … 16 of the top 20 Derby contenders are at the track (all must arrive by April 27) … Yet to arrive are Stronghold, West Saratoga, T O Password and Grand Mo the First … Jose Ortiz will ride Florida Derby runner-up Catalytic, trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr., said.