LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Authentic had his first major workout since winning the Kentucky Derby as he prepares for the Preakness next month.
The 3-year-old completed five furlongs in 59.20 seconds under jockey Martin Garcia on Saturday at Churchill Downs, where he has remained since his Derby victory on Sept. 5. Authentic’s time was the fastest of 38 horses at the distance.
“Authentic is a big, strong horse and is handling things very well after the Derby,” trainer Bob Baffert said.
Baffert’s other horse, Thousand Words, went five furlongs in 1:02.40 under jockey Florent Geroux. Thousand Words was scratched in the paddock from the Derby after he reared up and fell on his side.
Baffert said both of his horses would complete one more workout before shipping to Baltimore for the Preakness on Oct. 3.
Art Collector, who was knocked out of the Derby because of a minor injury before he could be entered, went five furlongs in 59.40 — the second-fastest behind Authentic — with jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. aboard. Art Collector is likely to be among the favorites for the 1 3/16-mile Preakness.