KENTUCKY DERBY CONTENDER DONE TALKING BREEZES HALF-MILE AT LAUREL PARK
BALTIMORE, 04-21-12---Illinois Derby (G3) winner Done Talking breezed 4-furlongs at Laurel Park Saturday morning in his penultimate work before the $2 million Kentucky Derby (G1) two weeks from today.
The Hamilton Smith trainee stopped the clock in 49.60 seconds and galloped out in 1:02.60 with regular rider Sheldon Russell aboard.
“I wanted him to go in 49 so it worked out almost perfectly,” Smith said. “He did it easy and came back to the barn bouncing. It was exactly what I was looking for. I am not worried too much about the time. We are going to more with him next week.”
Done Talking has won three of seven starts and punched his ticket to the Derby with a driving off the pace score in the Illinois Derby at Hawthorne two weeks ago. Russell is now two-for-two aboard the colt. He was also the pilot in an allowance victory at Parx Racing in November.
“I was very happy with the breeze,” added Russell. “He is very smart. He doesn’t do too much in the morning, saving it all for the afternoon. It looks like he came back out of that race feeling good. Hammy has him peaking at the right time.”
Smith indicated the son of Broken Vow would work 5-furlongs next Saturday and then ship to Louisville the following day.
Done Talking will be the first Triple Crown starter for Smith, a Maryland mainstay for more than 30 years. The 67-year-old has 1,644 career winners and has conditioned runners such as Gin Talking, Case Of The Blues and Blind Date, all multiple stakes winners.
“I am getting really excited,” Smith said. “I am very pleased with how the horse is doing. We have got him this far and this close. Everything looks good.”
This will be the second Triple Crown mount for Russell, Maryland’s leading rider, who rode Concealed Identity in the 2011 Preakness Stakes (G1).
“Like last year’s Preakness, I am riding a horse I am familiar with,” said the 24-year-old rider. “I love his running style. He should be in a good spot in the race which makes my job easier.
Done Talking is owned by Skedaddle Stable, a group that includes longtime friends Willie White, Lou Rehak and Bob Orndorff. The trio owned Mr O’Brien, a multiple graded winner on the turf, and Gin Talking, the 2000 Maryland-bred Horse of the Year.
-mjc-
PHOTO CREDIT-Jim McCue, Maryland Jockey Club
Mike Gathagan
Vice President-Communications
Maryland Jockey Club
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