McCraken Posts Impressive Workout at Keeneland

McCraken Posts Impressive Workout at Keeneland

McCraken winning the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (gr. II) at Churchill Downs – Coady Photography

The unbeaten Kentucky Derby favorite McCraken, who missed the March 11th Tampa Bay Derby (gr. II) due to a minor ankle issue, turned in a strong workout on March 20th at Keeneland that suggests he’s back in good form and ready to resume his quest for the Derby.

The son of Ghostzapper breezed five furlongs in a quick 1:00 flat, posting fractions of :12.60, :26.20, :37.20, and :48.20 according to Keeneland clockers. McCraken’s time was the fastest of seven morning workouts at that distance, with the second-best time being 1:00.40.


Trained by Ian Wilkes, McCraken has compiled a perfect 4-for-4 record so far, including wins in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (gr. II) and the Sam F. Davis Stakes (gr. III). He is currently targeting a start in the $1,000,000 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) on April 8th at Keeneland, where he could face the reigning champion two-year-old Classic Empire.

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Follow J. Keeler Johnson ("Keelerman"):

J. Keeler Johnson is a writer, blogger, videographer, and all-around horse racing enthusiast who was drawn to the sport by Curlin's quest to become North America's richest racehorse. A great fan of racing history, he considers Dr. Fager to be the greatest racehorse ever produced in America, but counts Zenyatta as his all-time favorite. He lives in Wisconsin and also writes for the Bloodhorse.com blog Unlocking Winners.

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