Trainer Todd Pletcher sent out Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) contenders Gemologist and El Padrino for workouts at Palm Meadows Training Center April 20.
Pletcher was planning to work both colts April 22, but with the threat of heavy showers in Florida during the weekend he decided to move the schedule up.
Undefeated Gemologist was the first of the duo to go to the track. Working for the first time since winning the April 7 Resorts World Casino New York City Wood Memorial Stakes (gr. I), the son of Tiznow breezed five furlongs in 1:00.81 in company with stablemate Overdriven. Gemologist reportedly galloped out six furlongs in 1:14.13.
El Padrino, working for the second time in five days, also breezed five furlongs and was timed in 1:00.56 while also working in company. He galloped out a strong six furlongs in 1:13.24.
Gemologist, owned by WinStar Farm, has won all five of his races while earning $784,855.
El Padrino, winner of the Risen Star Stakes (gr. II) and most recently fourth in the Florida Derby (gr. I), is 20th on the updated graded earnings list that will determine the 20-horse starting field for the Kentucky Derby. Let's Go Stable's chestnut son of Pulpit has won three of six lifetime starts with one second and one third. He has banked $316,100.
Gemologist
Coglianese Photos