Classic Empire , seen working prior to the KY Derby

With rain in the forecast for overnight in Louisville, a slew of Kentucky Derby contenders put in their final workouts for the first Saturday in May on Friday morning.

Reigning 2-year-old champion Classic Empire was the first out on the track, shortly after 7 a.m. According to Churchill Downs' clockers, the Mark Casse trainee breezed 4 furlongs in 49.20 (fast), galloped out 5 furlongs 1:03.

Other works set for Churchill Downs this morning are the Todd Pletcher group of Always Dreaming, Battalion Runner, Patch, and Tapwrit. Practical Joke is scheduled to work for Chad Brown, Gunnevera for Antonio Sano, and State of Honor for Casse.

The following times are from Churchill Downs' clockers:

Tapwrit and Patch worked together – 5 furlongs 1:00.20. 12.20, 24, 36. Out 1:12.80

Gunnevera – 5F 1:03.60. 14, 26.20, 39, 51.80. Out 1:18.20

Practical Joke – worked in company, 5F 1:01.60. 13.40, 25.40, 37.40, 49.60

Battalion Runner – worked in company with Made You Look, 4F :48.40, 12.60, 24.40, 36.60. Out 1:01.60

State of Honor – 4F 48.80. 25.20, 36.80. Out 1:02.

ALWAYS DREAMING (Derby): 5F :59.60. 13, 24.40, 35.80, 47.60. Out 1:12.60, 1:25.60, 1:40.

Battalion Runner (inside) works a half-mile in :48.40 in company with Made You Look

Gunnevera works five furlongs in 1:03.60

Practical Joke (outside) breezes five furlongs in company with Bobby on Fleek in 1:01.60

State of Honor works a half-mile in :48.80

Tapwrit (outside) and Patch work in company, going five furlongs in 1:00.20

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