Kentucky Derby Update: Final Gambit, Good Cheer Top Wednesday Work Tab at Churchill Downs

Apr 09, 2025

Trainer Brad Cox is always busy, but Wednesday morning offered a little extra buzz as he sent out Kentucky Derby 151 contender Final Gambit and Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI) favorite Good Cheer for their latest breezes at Churchill Downs.

Juddmonte’s Final Gambit, winner of the Jeff Ruby Steaks (GIII), breezed five furlongs in 1:00.80 at 7:15 a.m. (all times Eastern) Godolphin’s Good Cheer followed with a five-furlong move in 1:00.40 at 9 a.m. Both were piloted by Cox’s exercise rider Edvin Vargas.

Final Gambit began his work at the 4 ½-furlong pole, cruising through an opening quarter-mile in :25.40. He galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.60 and seven furlongs in 1:27, according to Churchill Downs clocker John Nichols.

Good Cheer went a touch quicker early, clipping an opening quarter in :24.60. She galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.60 and 1:27.60 for seven furlongs.

Cox, who was on-site for both moves, was set to fly to Payson Park, where Florida Derby (GI) winner Tappan Street is slated to work later this week.

KENTUCKY DERBY NEWS AND NOTES – Whitham Thoroughbreds’ Blue Grass Stakes (GI) winner Burnham Square returned to Churchill Downs on Tuesday night. Trainer Ian Wilkes reported Wednesday morning that all was well after the Blue Grass and Burnham Square would return to the track in the coming days. … Arkansas Derby (GI) winner Sandman is scheduled to return to the work tab at Churchill Downs on Tuesday. The Tapit colt typically goes to the track in trainer Mark Casse’s first set at 5:30 a.m. … UAE Derby (GII) winner Admire Daytona (JPN) is scheduled to arrive at Churchill Downs from Dubai on Wednesday afternoon. He’ll be joined on the flight by Dubai World Cup (GI) winner Hit Show along with Gotham (GIII) winner Flood Zone. … Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifier Luxor Café is scheduled to arrive at Churchill Downs on Wednesday, April 23. The colt is scheduled to fly from Japan to Chicago on Monday, April 21 where he’ll undergo a minimum of 42 hours of USDA quarantine. … Trainer Whit Beckman reported Jeff Ruby Steaks runner-up Flying Mohawk is scheduled to work at Churchill Downs on Friday or Saturday. … Nominations for Kentucky Derby Week stakes races close Wednesday. For more information, visit www.churchilldowns.com/horsemen.