Zayat Stables’ Bodemeister turned in a sensational work for the April 14 Arkansas Derby (gr. I), drilling six furlongs in a bullet 1:10 2/5 at Santa Anita Park under jockey Rafael Bejarano.
The son of Empire Maker was clocked in fractions of :12 1/5, :36 2/5, and :59 1/5, and he galloped out seven furlongs in 1:23 1/5.
“This was the best work he’s ever had,” said Ahmed Zayat. “I can see why (Bob) Baffert is getting excited. The horse keeps getting stronger at the end. We wanted to see him relax, and he did, and finished like a monster. And he never took a deep breath. I am so excited you have no idea. I decided to go in the Arkansas Derby to give him and Baffert an extra week. He worked so brilliantly, I’m afraid Baffert will land (from Dubai) today and will want to change his mind and run him in the Santa Anita Derby.”