Kentucky Derby update | Baffert praises California Chrome

Churchill Downs is bustling with activity Wednesday morning, now just 10 days away from Kentucky Derby 140. Two Derby and one Oaks contender worked over a fast track, and others galloped for the first time here now that trainer Todd Pletcher's contingent made it to Louisville on Tuesday.

—Buzz remains firmly on Santa Anita Derby winner California Chrome, which trainer Bob Baffert, in his first day at Churchill, received more questions about from reporters than his own Derby hopefuls. The Art Sherman-trained colt is expected to ship to Louisville on Monday and gallop at Churchill. He will not go out for a timed work.

"As long as he breaks and he's in the clear...he just keeps going," Bafftert said, adding that "he's a nice looking horse" who doesn't seem to tire. California Chrome reminds Baffert of 2002 Derby winner War Emblem.

—Baffert talked just past 7:30 a.m. about his contenders, saying Chitu and Bayern, both of which worked Monday, will be entered in Saturday's Derby Trial. Pending defections, they could still move to the Kentucky Derby. Baffert has Rebel Stakes winner Hoppertunity squarely in the field.

—Hoppertunity worked five furlongs in company with Drill, a multiple graded stakes winner, finishing in 1:00.20 on the outside. Baffert said afterward he wasn't satisfied with how Drill pushed Hoppertunity, but otherwise the workout went well.

—Trainer Mike Maker's General a Rod, moved to Churchill from the trackside training facility Tuesday, went five furlongs in 1:03.40 and galloped out six in 1:17.60. Ride On Curlin and others, such as Danza, Commanding Curve and Big Bazinga, galloped Wednesday morning.

—Ria Antonia, a confirmed Oaks entry for Baffert, went five furlongs Wednesday in 1:00.60 and galloped out six in 1:14.80 under jockey Rosie Napravnik. With Baffert having pulled Awesome Baby from Oaks contention earlier this week, the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies winner Ria Antonia is his only remaining contender.

—Baffert said that despite Awesome Baby's fourth-place standing in the Road to the Oaks points, he never intended to enter intended to enter the Awesome Again filly, winner of all three of her starts, in the May 2 race.

—See more Derby updates from The Courier-Journal today at courier-journal.com/sports/horses.

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