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en days before the 130th Kentucky Derby was press day for Tapit at Michael Dickinson's TapetaTM Farm at North East, Maryland. The top of the race schedule board said it all.
Tapit's workout this day was a 5 furlong breeze on Tapeta's turf course, finishing uphill. He ran in company with stablemates Russian News, Humblest, and Jakeybabes. Tapit was timed in 1:00 3/5, and was blowing a bit when finished. Dickinson and jockey Ramon Dominguez were satisfied with the work. Dominguez said, "He started very easily and when I got clear, he picked them up easily. "He's feeling very good. You can tell. He was kicking and bucking."
Tapit was scoped after the work. Dr. Kathleen Anderson, attending veterinarian based at Fair Hill, said that there was no sign of mucus. After the Florida Derby, Tapit was treated for lung infection.
As for Tapit's chances in the Kentucky Derby, Dickinson said that "we haven't seen him at his best. There is no standout for this year's race. Whoever wins is going to have to move up."
Tapit's upcoming schedule for the Derby will be a 5 furlong work on the dirt on Monday, before vanning to Louisville on Tuesday, April 27th. There, Dickinson will gallop and paddock school him for three days before the first Saturday in May.
Photos and article ©2004 by Tom Sporney. Click the smaller photo to see a large version.
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