Check this blog daily for all the latest updates on Kentucky Derby contenders and other news as the Run for the Roses is now just nine days away.

Favorite works: Likely Kentucky Derby favorite Dialed In, winner of the Florida Derby, turned in his final work at nearly-deserted Palm Meadows on Thursday morning. With regular rider Maxine Correa aboard, the son of Mineshaft went out with stakes winning stablemate Miner’s Escape, breaking off about a half length behind to start the work. The pair went through early splits of :12.09, :24.47 and :36.91. Dialed In motored down the stretch, opening up three on his workmate through a final furlong of :11.62 to finish in :48.53. He galloped out in 1:01.46 and pulled up six furlongs in 1:18.04. Dialed In is expected to ship to Churchill Downs on Saturday. Also on his flight will be Fountain of Youth winner Soldat, scheduled to work tomorrow.