Commandment, Fulleffort Breeze for Kentucky Derby 152

Trainer Brad Cox's Derby contenders work at Churchill Downs ahead of the big race

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:40pm

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An abstract expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, with rapid brushstrokes conveying the powerful motion and energy of racehorses racing down a track.The electric energy of Kentucky Derby contenders Commandment and Fulleffort is captured in a dynamic expressionist painting ahead of the 152nd Run for the Roses.Louisville Today

Trainer Brad Cox's Kentucky Derby contenders Commandment and Fulleffort both recorded strong workouts at Churchill Downs on Friday morning, breezing four furlongs in :48.40 as they continue their preparations for the 152nd Run for the Roses.

Why it matters

With the Kentucky Derby just three weeks away, Cox's top Derby hopefuls are showing positive signs as they ramp up their training. Commandment, the Florida Derby winner, and Fulleffort, the Jeff Ruby Steaks victor, are two of the leading contenders in this year's Derby field.

The details

Commandment worked in company with the Louisiana-bred stakes winner He's Late Again, completing an opening quarter-mile in :24.40 and galloping out five furlongs in 1:01.40. About two hours later, Fulleffort worked a solo half-mile, with an opening quarter in :24.40 and a five-furlong gallop-out of 1:01.60.

  • Commandment worked four furlongs in :48.40 on Friday morning.
  • Fulleffort worked four furlongs in :48.40 on Friday morning.

The players

Brad Cox

The trainer of Commandment and Fulleffort, two of the leading contenders for the Kentucky Derby.

Commandment

Wathnan Racing's Florida Derby (GI) winner, who will enter the Kentucky Derby on a four-race win streak.

Fulleffort

The Jeff Ruby Steaks (GIII) winner owned by St. Elias Stable and Starlight Racing, who will be making his first start on dirt in the Kentucky Derby.

George Messina

The owner of Louisiana-bred stakes winner He's Late Again, who worked in company with Commandment.

John Nichols

The Churchill Downs clocker who recorded the workout times for Commandment and Fulleffort.

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What they’re saying

“Both horses worked great. It was exactly what we were looking for three weeks out from the Derby. It's an exciting time of the year and it's exciting to have some very nice contenders in this year's race.”

— Brad Cox, Trainer

“He's progressed very well since he began his career. Every time we've asked him to stretch out in distance he's handled it.”

— Brad Cox, Trainer

“He's a bigger, stronger version of himself than he was last summer breezing on the dirt, and that's what is supposed to happen. They're supposed to get better as they get older. He worked all winter on the synthetic, but his last two works on the dirt were very good.”

— Brad Cox, Trainer

What’s next

Trainer Brad Cox's third Derby contender, Blue Grass Stakes (GI) winner Further Ado, is scheduled to have two more works prior to the Kentucky Derby.

The takeaway

With strong workouts from two of his top Kentucky Derby contenders, trainer Brad Cox is feeling confident about his chances of winning the Run for the Roses this year. Commandment and Fulleffort have both shown steady improvement and the ability to handle longer distances, making them formidable threats in the 152nd Kentucky Derby.