Workouts Continue at Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs has a reputation for drying out fast, and that was on display for key workouts Monday, and likely will be important later this week, as there is an 80-percent chance of rain on Wednesday.

Creator, Gun Runner, and Mor Spirit all had workouts on Monday over a track that was rated fast after the mid-morning renovation break despite a strong downpour that hit the area Sunday afternoon.

Steve Asmussen, who trains both Creator and Gun Runner, had taken a photo on his phone of the track at 6:30 on Sunday night, with plenty of standing water on it. He showed that photo to a visitor, then motioned toward the track.

"Can you believe the shape the track is in this morning?" Asmussen said as he looked at a surface that was dry and fast, producing quick times.

"Jamie," he said, referring to track superintendent Jamie Richardson, "did a great job."

"This racetrack can take some water," Asmussen continued. "I was looking out my window all night long worrying about the rain, but the track is in great shape."

Even if the predicted storm does hit midweek, the way Churchill's surface dries should allow it to be in pristine condition for the Kentucky Oaks on Friday and the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, as there is no rain in the forecast after Wednesday.