Edited release from Churchill Downs
The Thoroughbred Corporation's Atlantic Ocean worked five furlongs under exercise rider Dana Barnes in :59 3/5 according to Churchill Downs clockers. "It was a very nice, very strong work," said trainer Bob Baffert. "I got her going seven-eighths in 1:24 1/5 and galloping out in 38." Baffert reported that Santa Catarina, who worked seven furlongs in 1:24 on Sunday came out of the work "excellent."Meanwhile, three-time stakes winner Lady Tak worked six furlongs in 1:13 1/5 in company after the renovation break. Exercise rider Lisa Orn was on board."It was a nice, smooth work," said trainer Steve Asmussen, who is shuttling back and forth between Churchill Downs and Lone Star Park."She's a really fast filly and she has had success here at Churchill Downs, so we are excited for the opportunity (to run in the Oaks. Her going three-quarters is always impressive; with the race a mile and an eighth, that's a bit of a concern, and we have to see how she responds after her first defeat."Lady Tak had her five-race unbeaten streak snapped by Elloluv in the April 5 Ashland at Keeneland."That was pretty much it for serious preparation today," Asmussen said. "We will wait until next Monday and blow out a half. There is not much to do."
Oaks contender Atlantic Ocean, winning the Santa Ysabel earlier this year.
