Instilled Regard posts seven-furlong move for Santa Anita Derby

Lecomte Stakes (G3) winner Instilled Regard readied for the April 7 Santa Anita Derby (G1) with a seven-furlong move over Santa Anita Park’s fast main track on Sunday.

With exercise rider Edgar Rodriguez aboard, the dark bay son of Arch worked in company with fellow Jerry Hollendorfer-trained Shackleford Banks. Each broke off at the six-furlong marker, but with Instilled Regard 16 lengths behind his stablemate.

According to Santa Anita clocker Dane Nelson, Instilled Regard passed Shackleford Banks at the wire to clock 1:25.80 for the seven-furlong work.

“He went real good,” Hollendorfer said. “He galloped out real well. He’ll have a little blowout before his race and we’re all set.”

Instilled Regard captured the Lecomte by 3 3/4 lengths while making his sophomore bow on January 13 at Fair Grounds, then finished fourth as the 7-5 favorite in the Risen Star Stakes (G2) in mid-February at that New Orleans venue.

Instead of sending his dark bay charge back to Fair Grounds for Saturday’s Louisiana Derby (G2), Hollendorfer is readying Instilled Regard for the Santa Anita Derby as his final Kentucky Derby (G1) prep.

“He’d probably be better off in a large field,” Hollendorfer commented when told the Santa Anita Derby could produce a short field this year.

One who has been confirmed for the race is dual Grade 1 winner Bolt d’Oro, who was awarded the win in the San Felipe Stakes (G2) last out via disqualification.

The Mick Ruis-owned and -trained colt is scheduled to work a half-mile on Monday for the nine-furlong Santa Anita Derby.

“He’s training like a million bucks,” Ruis said Saturday. “I can’t wait to breeze him Monday.”

Private clocker Tony Turrell added, “He can’t be looking or doing any better. He’s done nothing but move forward in gigantic fashion since the San Felipe.”

In related news, Midnight Bisou readied for the April 7 Santa Anita Oaks (G1) with a three-quarter furlong work in 1:17.60 on Sunday at Santa Anita.

Jockey Mike Smith, who guided the Bill Spawr trainee to victories in the Santa Ynez Stakes (G2) and Santa Ysabel Stakes (G3) in her past pair, was aboard for the move and said Midnight Bisou went “extremely well.”