Denis of Cork Works Super at Churchill

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For all those who have written off Denis of Cork, the one-time leading Kentucky Derby contender turned in a sensational work at Churchill Downs Monday.

With trainer David Carroll at home sick, Denis of Cork drilled five furlongs in a bullet 1:00 flat, coming home his final quarter in :22 4/5, before galloping out a powerful six furlongs in 1:12 2/5 and pulling up seven panels in 1:26.

The son of Harlan’s Holiday was ridden by jockey Calvin Borel, who won last year’s Derby on Street Sense and who will be aboard Denis of Cork on May 3.

Denis of Cork went in splits of :12 4/5, :25, :37 1/5, and :48 3/5.

After winning his first three career starts, including the Southwest Stakes (gr. III), a decision was made by owner William K. Warren and his advisors to deviate from their original plan and skip the Rebel Stakes (gr. III) and Arkansas Derby (gr. II) and instead run only once in the Illinois Derby (gr. II). Denis of Cork ran a dull fifth after a seven-week layoff and now must wait for one defection before he is assured of a starting berth in the Derby. As of now, that defection appears likely.

Also working at Churchill Monday was Arkansas Derby runner-up Z Fortune, who breezed a half in :50 1/5.

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