Tiago gets there with flying colors

A daily look at Kentucky Derby contender Tiago, winner of the Santa Anita Derby and a half brother of 2005 Kentucky Derby winner Giacomo. Today, trainer John Shirreffs talks to Times staff writer Robyn Norwood about flying with Tiago from California on Monday, then settling into Barn 41 at Churchill Downs, where the nameplate from Giacomo’s 2005 Belmont appearance hangs in front of Tiago’s stall.

Oh, yeah, we had to bring a little of the brother with him.

I got to the barn at Hollywood Park this morning at maybe quarter to 2. I put off packing till the last minute, and I decided it was best to stay awake and sleep on the plane.

They picked Tiago up at 2:30 a.m., then we drove to Ontario and the plane left about 5 a.m.

The plane is in the configuration of a van, so all the horses ride as a group. Horses, because of the herd instinct, they love being in a group. Some other air-transport systems, they have to be on pallets, in boxes. It’s a lot harder on them. I don’t know how many horses the plane holds, maybe 50. They have rows of horses. No window seats, though. No windows. We usually ride in the back, where they have some seating.

I wanted to ride over with Tiago because I’ve ridden with him a lot. I didn’t with Giacomo. I came in on Wednesday with Giacomo. I just thought because of Tiago’s lack of racing experience, it would be good for him to get here a couple of days early, so he could get familiar with the surroundings.

Kicking like that, you like to see that, rather than hanging their head, looking exhausted -- the fact he’s animated, and not sweaty -- animated is good.

Will the race unfold like Giacomo’s? Who knows? Twenty horses, maybe everybody will take back and they’ll have a huge traffic jam at the first turn.

They’re different horses. Tiago has a little more acceleration than Giacomo did. Giacomo was very, very steady. This horse can make a big move.

All the major work is done. You’re just trying to get him comfortable with his surroundings, create a routine and go race.

robyn.norwood@latimes.com