James Scully's Morning Notes (April 26th)

The rain subsided Saturday morning as dawn broke on the backstretch at Churchill Downs, but it remained overcast and chilly with a brisk breeze blowing through the morning hours.

PYRO (Pulpit) and Z FORTUNE (Siphon [Brz]) made early appearances on the muddy track for Steve Asmussen. Z Fortune was out first, jogging over the oval in the darkness, and he looks the part of a serious Derby contender. Pyro did not.

Horse of the Year Curlin (Smart Strike) is quite an eyeful. He came out to the track after his stablemates, and there is speculation whether he will work in company with Pyro on Monday. The well-built chestnut, who was stabled in New Orleans prior to his trip to Dubai in February, brought out the best in Pyro when working with him earlier in the year, and perhaps he can re-energize the colt following a dull 10th-place showing in the Blue Grass (G1).

COURT VISION (Gulch) and Z HUMOR (Distorted Humor) were both out on the track early for Bill Mott, and Court Vision appeared on his toes. A juvenile stakes winner at Churchill, Court Vision didn't run well in his first two starts this year, lagging far back before offering a belated, non-threatening rally for third each time, but he drilled four furlongs in :46 1/5 on April 17 at Churchill and may have turned the corner since arriving in Louisville. He exited the track bouncing, and another sharp workout this week figures to send him to the starting gate in good shape.

GAYEGO (Gilded Time) was the only Derby worker at Churchill on Saturday, hitting the track after the renovation break for a five-furlong breeze in 1:01. Mike Smith flew in for the work, and Gayego looked terrific heading to the track. The athletic colt moved well over the muddy strip, a positive sign for the California-based runner, and he wasn't breathing hard afterward. The son of Gilded Time may not have the breeding for 1 ¼ miles, but the Paulo Lobo runner looks like a major player regardless.

A wet track is a major concern for all the California-based runners with little-to-no dirt experience, but COLONEL JOHN (Tiznow) got a feel for the mud while galloping around the track Saturday and appeared to handle it well. He wasn't tentative at all while putting his enormous stride on display for onlookers, and trainer Eoin Harty has to be pleased with the way the Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner is approaching the race.

EIGHT BELLES (Unbridled's Song) isn't a very big filly, but she has a beautiful way of moving and also looked very good on Saturday morning.

ADRIANO (A.P. Indy) did not impress. Perhaps he doesn't care for the mud, but I'd like to see him move much better over a fast track this week before giving him any consideration.

We got word early Saturday morning that SMOOTH AIR (Smooth Jazz) was likely to be withdrawn due to a fever, but Bennie Stutts Jr. downplayed the gossip during a brief conference with reporters. He said Smooth Air was doing much better this morning (the fever was gone), and everything remains on course for a Derby start if he can make it to the track on Sunday morning.

Sunday morning promises to be very busy.