Catholic Boy, a member of the Derby Watch top 20, worked a half-mile in 48.40 seconds this morning at Bridlewood Farm in Ocala, Fla., where he is being prepared for start in either the Louisiana Derby or the Florida Derby.

This was the first work for Catholic Boy since he finished second as the heavy favorite in the Sam Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs on Feb. 10. He finished his 2-year-old campaign with a win in the Remsen Stakes.

His trainer, Jonathan Thomas -- here at Gulfstream to run March in the Canadian Turf -- said he worked Catholic Boy without blinkers and is contemplating removing blinkers for his next race.

Thomas said Catholic Boy worked alongside another horse today, but in his next work he will work him behind a workmate to "reinforce the fact he can sit and make a run," Thomas said.

Thomas said of this morning's work, "All in all it was very good. He cooled out quickly."