Gayego

Gayego started this year on January 20 with a 2 3/4-length victory in the San Pedro Stakes, only his third career start and first in stakes competition.

The victory received a bit more attention since Gayego set a track record for 6 1/2 furlongs, going the distance in 1:13.07 on Santa Anita Park's Cushion Track.

Winning one of the earlier three-year-old races of the year also placed Gayego "on the Triple Crown trail," but as other contenders picked up victories during February and early March it was easy to overlook Gayego.

That changed in the March 15 San Felipe Stakes (G2). Gayego did not win the San Felipe, but it took a superb effort by winner Georgie Boy to relegate Gayego to second, beaten just three-quarters of a length.

"He ran dynamite," jockey Mike Smith said after the San Felipe. "I'm really happy with the way he ran. He's going to get a lot out of this race. He just got a little tired at the end."

Trainer Paulo Lobo was equally impressed with Gayego's first graded stakes appearance.

"He ran a beautiful race," Lobo said. "Let's see [what race is next]. It's too early to decide. I'm very happy. He ran a huge race."

April 26 - Five furlongs breezing in 1:01.00 at Churchill Downs, track muddy. Fifth best of 20 workouts at the distance.

"Exactly what I wanted," trainer Paulo Lobo said. "I think it was an awesome work."

Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) on May 3 at Churchill Downs

Exercise rider Jody Pieper, who has been galloping Gayego at Churchill Downs:

"He's feeling so good, maybe they should do with him like they did with Afleet Alex and take him out twice in the morning."