Chief Wallabee Tunes Up for Derby; Blinkers On for Mott Trainee
Louisville, Ky. — April 13, 2026.
Following a sharp third-place effort in the Grade 1 Florida Derby, Chief Wallabeecontinued preparations for the Kentucky Derby with a strong workout early Monday morning, and trainer Bill Mott confirmed that the colt will likely add blinkers for his start in the Run for the Roses.
Chief Wallabee, who finished just a half-length behind Commandment and The Puma at Gulfstream Park on March 28, turned in what Mott described as “a good, steady piece of work” designed to keep him focused and race-fit for the upcoming classic at Churchill Downs.
“He’s always been a colt with plenty of natural ability,” said Mott. “The blinkers should help him stay a little more engaged early — just give him that added bit of concentration as the field sorts itself out.”
The son of Constitution, owned by Juddmonte Farms, has been one of the more consistent runners on the Derby trail this season, hitting the board in all three of his prep starts. His Florida Derby performance, in which he rallied from midpack to narrowly miss victory, has his connections optimistic about his chances stretching out to 1 ¼ miles in Louisville.
Monday’s drill came at Churchill Downs Training Center, where Chief Wallabee breezed five furlongs under regular exercise rider in 1:00.80, galloping out strongly to the wire. Mott said the colt came out of the work in good shape and will have one more timed move before Derby week.
“He handled everything exactly how we wanted,” Mott added. “He’s happy, he’s sound, and he’s doing well. That’s all you can ask for right now.”
A blinkers-on equipment change has long been a common Mott adjustment for horses needing a touch more attentiveness, and Chief Wallabee seems to fit that mold. Known for his powerful late stride, the improvement in forward focus could make all the difference in the crowded Derby field of 20.
Chief Wallabee’s next breeze is expected early next week at Churchill Downs, where he’ll join much of the 2026 Derby field as final preparations intensify ahead of the 152nd Kentucky Derby on May 2.
