Daddy Nose Best Records First Work Since Sunland Score

Apr 09, 2012 Travers Manley

Bob and Cathy Zollars’ Daddy Nose Best, winner of the $800,000 Sunland Derby (Grade III) at Sunland Park, continued his preparations for the 138^th running of the $2 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (GI) with a five-furlong work over a fast track at Churchill Downs on Monday morning in 1:02.40 for trainer Steve Asmussen.

Working on his own under regular exercise rider Carlos Rosas, the Scat Daddy colt recorded fractions of :13.40, :25.80, :38, :50.20 and galloped out six furlongs in 1:15.60. The work ranked 14^th out of 15 at the distance.  

“I loved how he went,” Asmussen said. “He went over the racetrack really well and he’s in great physical shape. It was an ideal work and Carlos did a fabulous job. (Daddy Nose Best) has plenty of time and has plenty left in him. All we have to worry about is being good enough.”

The Sunland Derby was the second victory of the year for Daddy Nose Best, who defeated Team Valor International’s Lucky Chappy-IRE by a nose in the El Camino Real Derby (GIII) at Golden Gate on Feb. 18. Bred in Kentucky by The Patricia Ann Elia Trust, Daddy Nose Best has a career record of 4-2-1 from 10 lifetime starts and earnings of $633,623.

Another Kentucky Derby contender, Donegal Racing’s Dullahan, was reported to be doing well the day after a bullet work at Keeneland. Dullahan traveled by van to the Lexington track Sunday morning and breezed five furlongs in :57.40 for trainer Dale Romans. He was back at Romans’ barn at Churchill just a few hours later. A half brother to Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird, Dullahan will have his final prep for the Derby in Saturday’s $750,000 Toyota Blue Grass (GI).

“I was very pleased with the work,” Romans said. “We wanted him to go fast and he went fast. We’re ready to roll.”

Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 138^th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 5, 2012, and its Spring Meet is scheduled for April 28-July 1. The track has hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships a record eight times. Information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.

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