Welcome to the board VAM. Solid memory. Here is what I've got on that.

In the 2002 book Horse of a Different Color about the 2001 Derby winner, Jim Squires writes "The next morning [Friday, April 27th I presume using context clues] Ward sent Monarchos out for his first timed exercise since the defeat in the Wood. It would be his only 'work' prior to the Derby."

"Ward timed the 'move' in 1:01, . . ."

"No matter how hard he tried, Ward could convince no one that the work had been just what he wanted and all that was necessary to ready his horse for the Derby. Surely Monarchos would work again--'a little blowout or something' Derby week. No said Ward, his horse is ready. The press couldn't believe it. The last Derby winner not to work the week before the race was Bold Forbest in 1976. Ward's horse had to be sore, or spent, or else he would be out on the track the final week sharpening up like the rest."

Squires notes that Sam Ramer, publisher of Backstretch and a former trainer said, "He's the best prepared strongest galloping horse on the grounds."

He worked out on April 27th and the Derby was May 5th.

Interesting that folks concluded something was off with the horse as we think about The Puma this year.

__________________

NOTE: In 2023, Mage worked 1:14.78 at Gulfstream Park on April 23. The Derby was on May 6th.

Delgado used a Venezuelan style of training with Mage emphasizing endurance and used longer workouts (strong gallops) unlike other trainers using shorter, speed works.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/27/2026 08:30PM by Fairmount1.