The Deputy, trained last season by John Hills in England but sold privately during the winter to race in America, tuned up for the Kentucky Derby with a workout at Churchill Downs on Wednesday.
The son of Petardia, who won the Grade One Santa Anita Derby on his most recent outing, delighted trainer Jenine Sahadi as he worked over five furlongs in a good time.
"I thought he worked terrific," said Sahadi. "I'm really happy with him."
Sahadi will now focus on a planned seven-furlong gallop for The Deputy early next week.
"I'm just trying to keep him happy and healthy," said Sahadi, who has never saddled a starter in the Kentucky Derby.
"I think he's fit off the race in California and I'm doing maintenance-type stuff. McCarron (Jockey Chris) will be here next week and we'll work seven-eighths and I think that will be the most important work leading up to the Derby."
