Thursday’s Kentucky Derby Report: Legendary D. Wayne Lukas Leads Cavalry Charge

[Wandering Eyes]

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – With the legendary D. Wayne Lukas, white cowboy hat, shades and all, leading the charge aboard his stable pony, Thursday's exclusive 15-minute training session for GI Kentucky Derby and GI Kentucky Oaks entrants was off and running on another partly cloudy and warm, humid morning at Churchill Downs.

The 89-year-old, four-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer was accompanying Virginia Derby hero American Promise (Justify), who will become his 51st starter in Saturday's Run for the Roses. Doesn't get much better than that.

Flying Mohawk (Karakontie {Jpn}), an enticing 30-1 on the morning line, was the first to catch the eye. The GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks runner-up has been getting over the surface quite nicely ahead of his first career attempt on dirt.

Between the rail draw and visual impression that he's made all week, last year's champion 2-year-old Citizen Bull (Into Mischief) may be the fastest of them all heading into the clubhouse turn for the 1 1/4-mile Classic.

Burnham Square (Liam's Map) has been giving off plenty of good vibes this week, galloping once again with his neck arched while passing the big crowd in attendance lined up along the rail on the backstretch.

His affable jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr., prominently featured on the front page of our special, Kentucky Derby preview edition, will look to put them back to back after masterfully guiding Mystik Dan (Goldencents) home to an 18-1 upset last year.

You would never guess that Publisher (American Pharoah), a striking $600,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga baby, would still be a maiden just by watching him train.

Publisher | Sherackatthetrack

It's been nothing but good news to report for Journalism (Curlin) as well as Sovereignty (Into Mischief), who have owned the mornings this Kentucky Derby week.

Journalism's long list of admirers while getting cleaned up back at Michael McCarthy's barn included co-owners Eclipse Thoroughbred Partner's Aron Wellman and Bridlewood Farm's George Isaacs.

“We have the utmost respect for every runner and their connections and we're taking nothing for granted, but Journalism instills a lot of confidence in everyone around him,” Wellman said.

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