Derby / Oaks Update - Monday, April 22, 2013

KENTUCKY DERBY UPDATE – MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2013

BLACK ONYX – Sterling Racing’s Black Onyx (No. 12) jogged after the morning renovation break during the time reserved for Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks contenders. Aurelio Gomez was aboard Black Onyx, who comes into Derby 139 off a victory in the Spiral (Grade III) in his stakes debut.

Derby / Oaks Update - Sunday, April 21, 2013

KENTUCKY DERBY UPDATE – SUNDAY, APRIL 21

BLACK ONYX – Sterling Racing’s Black Onyx (No. 12) walked the shedrow at Barn 41 a day after clockers caught  the Spiral (Grade III) winner in 1:25 for six furlongs in a strong gallop.

Orb posts strong five-furlong work at Payson Park

Florida Derby victor Orb impressed trainer Shug McGaughey Sunday morning at Payson Park while breezing five furlongs during a key workout for a scheduled start in the Kentucky Derby on May 4.

"This was the one we need to get behind us," McGaughey said. "What I really wanted to see was to see him finish good. I didn't want to see him walking the last part of it."

Winning Cause remains perfect at Keeneland in Lexington

Alto Racing's Winning Cause surged to the lead in the stretch and posted a one-length win in Saturday's Grade 3, $200,000 Lexington, improving his record to three for three on Keeneland's Polytrack. Julien Leparoux rode the Todd Pletcher-trained colt.

Krigger could complete parallels with Gutierrez in Derby

Santa Anita Derby winner Goldencents jogged over Santa Anita's fast main track Saturday morning.

"He had an easy day today," trainer Doug O'Neill said. "He'll go back to galloping tomorrow. He's doing super."

Goldencents will try to give O'Neill back-to-back Derby wins. At this time last year, O'Neill sent out I'll Have Another to Derby glory in a whirlwind Triple Crown chase, that was ended by injury on the eve of the Belmont Stakes.

Both colts have been ridden by jockeys with similar profiles, who emerged from racing's doldrums to its pinnacle.