Kentucky Derby works: Just a Touch is 1 of 5 contenders on tab

Impressive maiden winner Just a Touch, who at 60-1 is one ofthe top 20 betting options in Las Vegas futures for Kentucky Derby 2024, had aworkout Friday morning at Fair Grounds.

The $300,000 Justify colt trained by Brad Cox covered ahalf-mile in 49.8 seconds. It was her first breeze since her debut win Jan. 27in the slop at Fair Grounds. The 4 1/4-length victory for owners Qatar Racingand Marc Detampel was worthy of an 89 Beyer Speed Figure, according to DailyRacing Form.

Just a Touch was not among the nominees for next Saturday’sRisen Star (G3), the next New Orleans points prep for the Derby. Cox has not saidpublicly what race might be next.

Five 3-year-olds who are listed in the current Las Vegasfutures for the Derby were on the Friday work tab.

Justa Touch (Justify) worked four furlongs in 49.8seconds at Fair Grounds on Friday morning. It was the 46th fastest of 65 worksat the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last starthe won a maiden race going six furlongs on the main track at Fair Grounds onJan. 27 for trainer Brad Cox.

Alder (Hard Spun) worked four furlongs in 48.4seconds at Fair Grounds. It was the 14th fastest of 65 worksat the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs atFair Grounds. In his last start he placed second in an allowance race going sixfurlongs on the main track at Fair Grounds on Jan. 18 for Cox.

Be You (Curlin) worked four furlongs in 48.8seconds at Palm Beach Downs. It was the fastest of 30 worksat the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last starthe placed fifth in a maiden race going one mile on the main track at GulfstreamPark on Jan. 13 for trainer Todd Pletcher.

Twenty to Park (Speightster) worked four furlongs in 48.4seconds at Oaklawn. It was the third fastest of 92 works atthe distance. His previous work was eight days ago going five furlongs atOaklawn. In his last start he won a maiden race going six furlongs on the maintrack at Oaklawn on Jan. 12 for trainer Matt Shirer.

Works for Me (Daddy Long Legs) worked four furlongs in49.6 seconds at Fair Grounds. It was the 40th fastest of 65works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going four furlongsat Fair Grounds. In his last start he won the Notebook going six furlongs onthe main track at Aqueduct on Nov. 18 for trainer Joseph Lee.