The Michael Tabor-owned pair of Mayakovsky and Shah Jehan were among nine horses entered for the Derby Trial (gr. III), which highlights Saturday's opening day card at Churchill Downs.
Mayakovsky, the Santa Anita Derby fourth-place finisher, will be ridden by Jerry Bailey as he breaks from the number three post position. Trained by Patrick Biancone, Mayakovsky blew out three furlongs in :34 3/5 at Churchill on Thursday in preparation for the Derby Trial.
The second half of Tabor's entry, Shah Jehan, is a $4.4-million yearling purchase trained by D. Wayne Lukas. The son of Mr. Prospector breaks from the number six post, with Mike Smith aboard.
Also entered in the Derby Trial was Stephentown, an early Kentucky Derby contender who is returning off a layoff.
The field, in post position order, for the Derby Trial, is:
1--Clergy, 117, Robby Albarado
2--Stephentown, 114, Brian Peck
3--(a) Mayakovsky, 122, Jerry Bailey
4--Governor Hickel, 114, Jorge Chavez
5--Sky Terrace, 114, Craig Perret
6--(a) Shah Jehan, 114, Mike Smith
7--Cashel Castle, 114, Pat Day
8--Ide Be Spencers, 114, James Lopez
9--Revolver, 112, Dan Coa
