Essence of Dubai had a strong workout on Tuesday.

Work of the Day
Essence of Dubai (five furlongs in 1:01.60): After galloping out less than enthusiastically during last Thursday's seven-furlong work, Essence of Dubai delivered a much-improved performance in his final prep. Equipped with blinkers and regular rider Lee Roebuck aboard, Essence of Dubai was relaxed as he came away from the five-furlong pole, cutting out splits of 12.40 seconds, 25.40, and 37.80 for the opening three furlongs. Changing leads on cue, he began to accelerate once he entered the stretch, covering the final furlong in a sharp 11.60. And unlike last Thursday's work he continued strongly into the turn in his gallop out, completing an extra eighth in 12.60 to pull up six furlongs in 1:14.20. He has had a good week and barring any unforeseen problems looks like one of the key contenders on Saturday.

Other Derby works
Harlan's Holiday (five furlongs in 1:02.20): Although officially timed for a half-mile by track clockers, Harlan's Holiday was so keyed up to begin his work he actually went his fastest furlong (12.20) from the five-furlong to half-mile pole. It took a while for jockey Edgar Prado to get the Derby favorite to settle down and the early pace appeared to take its toll through the stretch as he covered the final furlong in only 12.40 despite light urging from Prado nearing the wire. He shut down quickly in the gallop out, pulling up six furlongs in a slow 1:18.

He has looked good and been a handful during morning gallops over the past several days but must avoid being quite so eager on Derby Day if he's to duplicate his performances in the Florida Derby and Blue Grass.

War Emblem (five furlongs in 1:00.20): For a speedball who is expected to set or contest the Derby pace, War Emblem relaxed nicely for exercise rider Dana Barnes and was under little pressure throughout, although he did not gallop out particularly strong, covering an additional furlong in 14.20 compared with the 12 and change gallop out posted by Essence of Dubai.

Ocean Sound (four furlongs in 47.20): His Wednesday scheduled work was pushed forward 24 hours because of weather forecasts calling for overnight rain. Perhaps the least impressive of last week's workers, he showed much more enthusiasm the second time around. Chris McCarron carried a stick and kept him about his business with several light right-hand taps down the stretch. Covered his last three eighths in 35.20 despite drifting wide exiting the turn.

Perfect Drift (five furlongs in 1:00.80 according to track clockers): Working once again at the Trackside Training Center with jockey Joe Deegan aboard, Perfect Drift continues to impress, especially the way he accelerates once turning into the stretch and changing leads. Gallop outs have also been sharp, an indication he will stay 1 1/4 miles and make his presence felt down the long stretch run. For the second consecutive morning Mayakovsky was like a runaway train during his gallop while Request For Parole appeared choppy and short-strided and bears watching over the next several days.

Oaks works
Imperial Gesture and Ms. Brookski both worked for the Oaks after the renovation break.

Imperial Gesture went easily but changed leads prematurely 40 yards from the wire while breezing five furlongs in 1:01.20. Ms Brookski continues to post sharp work times despite displaying very awkward action. Worked a half-mile but was officially timed three furlongs in 35.60 by track clockers.

All work times clocked by Mike Welsch unless otherwise noted.