Away from the spotlight of Churchill Downs, Japanese invader Master Fencer enjoyed an easy training day Friday, cantering around the Keeneland training track as he prepares for the May 4 Kentucky Derby. The exercise was his first since he cleared quarantine in Chicago.

His connections chose Keeneland to initially begin his Derby preparations to give him a quieter atmosphere, though he, like all Derby horses, will have to be on the Churchill Grounds early next week. He is scheduled to ship to Churchill on Monday.

Master Fencer, a winner of two of six starts, qualified for the Derby as part of the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby. He was fourth in the 1-mile Hyacinth Stakes at Tokyo on Feb. 17 and later second in the 1 1/8-mile Fukuryu Stakes at Nakayama on March 31.