Top contenders prep for Blue Grass

Sun King is undefeated this year in two attempts  (Lauren Pomeroy/Horsephotos.com)

Tampa Bay Derby (G3) winner SUN KING (Charismatic), who could go postward as

the favorite in Saturday's $750,000 Blue Grass S. (G1) at Keeneland, breezed

five furlongs in 1:00 4/5 over a fast track at Churchill Downs on Monday for

conditioner Nick Zito, who has a barn full of top contenders for the May 7

Kentucky Derby (G1).

Sun King was timed in fractions of :24 2/5, :36 1/5 and :47 2/5.

"He's doing well," Zito said. "He works very, very even, which is a great

attribute that he's got. You've got to put together those times. I like what

he's doing right now."

Sun King began about three lengths behind an unidentified workmate, advanced

around the turn, then easily blew past his rival in midstretch under exercise

rider Maxine Correa.

"She never pushed him until the last eighth," Zito said. "He responded and it

was a nice work."

Louisiana Derby (G2) winner HIGH LIMIT (Maria's Mon), also

prepping for the nine-furlong Blue Grass, breezed five furlongs in :59 2/5

beneath the Twin Spires for trainer Bobby Frankel. The move was the second best

of 38 works at the distance.

High Limit went in fractions of :24 2/5, :36 2/5 and :48 2/5 before

completing his final furlong in :11. The undefeated colt galloped out six

furlongs in 1:13 under jockey Joe Deegan.

"He went a little quick, but I think the track was a little quick this

morning," Frankel said. "We'll see what he's made of this weekend."

At Keeneland, Fountain of Youth S. (G2) runner-up BANDINI (Fusaichi Pegasus)

breezed five furlongs in a bullet 1:00 2/5 over a fast track in preparation for

the Blue Grass. The Todd Pletcher trainee missed a scheduled start in the

Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park on April 2 due to a bruised foot. Bandini

worked in company with maiden winner Confederation (Dixie Union), who was timed

in 1:00 4/5.

Holy Bull S. (G3) winner CLOSING ARGUMENT (Successful Appeal), who could run

in either the Blue Grass or Saturday's $1 million Arkansas Derby (G2) at Oaklawn

Park, breezed five furlongs in 1:00 4/5. The Kiaran McLaughlin trainee also

missed the nine-furlong Florida Derby due to a bruised foot.