Under exercise rider Fiona Goodwin, Buddha went six furlongs in 1:13 2/5 while working around "dogs" used to protect the inner portion of the track. The son of Unbridled's Song was timed in :47 4/5 for a half-mile and galloped out seven furlongs in 1:29.

"It started raining at ten to two this morning and I was out of bed at two," Bond said. "He went out at about 5:30. It was a superb work. He couldn't have done it any better. He looks good and is feeling good."

Bond, who has yet to saddle a Derby starter, admits to feeling some pressure as the race approaches.

"There's some pressure," Bond said. "I haven't been finishing all my meals."