Kentucky Derby update | Chrome schools in paddock on Thurby day

Happy Thurby, everyone. No, really. That's a thing now.

In case you missed it, Churchill Downs has named the Thursday before Derby to brand a third event along with Kentucky Oaks and Derby days this week. Eventually, the track would like to name them all, so submit your own puns here.

First post is 12:45, and the 11-race card runs until after 6 p.m.

—The big news dropped around 9 a.m. when trainer Bob Baffert scratched second-choice Hoppertunity with a left-front hoof injury. Look for more on that later, as well as confirmation of whether 21st-place Pablo Del Monte will run.

—On the backside this morning, a number of Derby contenders have already gone out for training, among them favorite California Chrome and Oaks favorite Untapable. Most others are expected at 8:30 a.m., when the track is closed to all but those horses adorning the neon yellow and pink saddle towels for the weekend's feature races.

Added to training this close to race day is schooling in the paddock — especially now that trainers know which stall they'll be using — and starting from a gate lined up in the chute. California Chrome spent several minutes in an around stall five in the paddock before his gallop Thursday, showing up a bit early for the Thurby party.

—Wicked Strong posted the only timed work, blowing out three furlongs through the stretch in :36:60. His final quarter mile went in :24, marking the Wood Memorial winner's hardest run since making it to Churchill.

— If you've never been to Churchill Downs the morning of Derby, you're missing a scene. Gate security is pretty tight, but that hasn't stopped a number of well-dressed folks, hardcore racing fans and a number of kids who are obviously skipping school from watching Derby training.

It's also brought a number of national media members to the track. Donna Brothers, a reporter for NBC and TVG, on Wednesday climbed up the Big Board along Churchill's backstretch and posted a picture of the view. You can probably see your house from there.

Jonathan Lintner can be reached at (502) 582-4199; follow him on Twitter @JonathanLintner.