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 eight days away.

Reaching for it: Arkansas Derby winner Archarcharch turned in a sold work Friday morning, going five furlongs in :59.26 in the mud. With regular rider Jon Court aboard, the colt broke off a length behind a workmate, going through early splits of :11.41, :23.06 and :34.88. He was on even terms coming into the stretch and drew well clear down the line finishing in the world. He got his final quarter in :24.38 and galloped out in 1:12.80. The colt has improved as the week progressed, quickly adjusting to the Churchill Downs strip after appearing uncomfortable there earlier in the week.

Final work: Fountain of Youth winner Soldat, coming off a poor effort in the Florida Derby, went a half in :49 today at Palm Meadows in his final work for the Derby. There was no official clocker on hand at the nearly-deserted winter training center, but trainer Kiaran McLaughlin reported the colt went in his first quarter in :25, the second in :24, and galloped out in 1:01.40, pulling up in 1:15.80. Soldat will fly to Louisville tomorrow, on the same flight as Florida Derby winner and likely Derby favorite Dialed In.

Taking it easy: Spiral runner-up Decisive Moment went an easy five furlongs in 1:01.46, changing leads several times down the stretch.

Dynamic duo: Mike Repole and Todd Pletcher's two Derby prospects, Uncle Mo and Stay Thirsty, will work in company Sunday morning in their final serious breezes for the Run for the Roses. Stay Thirsty had originally been scheduled alone in the Sunday slot, but Pletcher chose to move Uncle Mo's work up a day after examining the weather forecast. The two colts both galloped Friday morning, with Uncle Mo continuing to visually impress as he drags his rider around the oval.

Busy day: With more rain forecast for Sunday, several Derby workers are likely to get their final works in on Saturday morning. Sunland Park Derby winner Twice The Appeal will have Derby rider Calvin Borel aboard for the first time in a serious work. Spiral winner Animal Kingdom's work will be especially telling, as the Derby would be his first start over a dirt track. Also expected to breeze are Pants On Fire, Mucho Macho Man, Shackleford and Watch Me Go.

Musical riders: Multiple Eclipse Award winner and Hall of Fame finalist Garrett Gomez has picked up the choicest remaining mount, as he'll pilot European hopeful Master of Hounds in the Derby. The colt is scheduled to leave his Irish base on Monday, arriving in Louisville on Tuesday. Surprisingly, three-time Derby winner and Hall of Famer Kent Desormeaux is still without a mount.

Bubble watch: Trainer Eoin Harty will work Santa Anita Derby fourth-place finisher Anthony's Cross on Sunday morning at Hollywood as if the colt were running in the Derby. He's 21st on the graded earnings list, the first to get in if there's a defection. ... Santa Anita Derby third-place finisher Mr. Commons worked seven furlongs at Hollywood in 1:25.20, "just in case," said trainer John Shirreffs.

Oaks watch: The connections of Arienza and Delightful Mary have said they will skip the Oaks to seek other targets; both were unlikely to get in based on graded earnings anyway. Arienza, a daughter of Horse of the Year Azeri, is nominated to the Eight Belles Stakes on Derby Day. ... Bouquet Booth went an easy five furlongs in 1:02.20. ... Kathmanblu and Daisy Devine galloped.