One day after the connections of Workforce expressed concern over the grass course at Churchill Downs, trainer Michael Stoute walked the track and proclaimed it satisfactory.
Juddmonte Farms’ Epsom Derby (Eng-I) and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Fr-I) winner is the morning-line favorite for the Emirates Airline Turf (gr. IT).
Stoute walked the course with jockey Ryan Moore Nov. 3, and came back with a bit more confidence in the ability of the course to soften to the degree he desires by Saturday, Nov. 6.
"The track is in wonderful shape, and it has good cover," he said afterward. "It’s firmer than we’d like, and there has not been enough rain. We’ll monitor it each day."
On Nov. 2, Stuart Messenger, Stoute’s assistant, said strong consideration was given to go ahead and declare Workforce out of the Turf. After consideration, however, they agreed to wait until Nov. 5 to make a final decision.
Stoute has confidence in his charge for the 1 1/2-mile grass test.
"He’s in great form right now," Stoute said.