(Trainer Brad Cox holds court / All Photos by Holly M. Smith)

Editor’s Note:

On Friday, there was a lot of action at Churchill Downs and things that may not make the radar. Unless you are a trainer getting your horse ready for one of the biggest moments of their lives. (And yours, too, for that matter).

Here’s a few looks from the talented eye of our artist on hand: Holly M. Smith:

Derma Sotogake (JPN):

Trainer Brad Cox

Trainer Todd Pletcher:

KY Derby Favorite Forte:

Jockey Florent Geroux Gets Interview (and it rhymes): 

Continuar: 

Disarm:

Forte in action: 

Verifying & Hit Show:

Angel of Empire:

Tapit Trice: 

Forte: 

Tapit Trice in action: 

Verifying: 

Hit Show: 

Angel of Empire: 

Verifying:

Hit Show:

And…it’s done for now…time for a break…