03/16/2013 3:48PM

Aqueduct: Falling Sky to make next start in Arkansas Derby

By David Grening
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Tom Keyser
Falling Sky, the third-place finisher in the Tampa Bay Derby, is being pointed to the Arkansas Derby.

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Trainer John Terranova said Saturday that Falling Sky, the winner of the Sam Davis Stakes and the third-place finisher in the Tampa Bay Derby, would make his next start in the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn on April 13.

Terranova said he was pleased with Falling Sky’s performance in the Tampa Bay Derby but was a little disappointed he couldn’t finish second to Verrazano.

“He came out of the race very well; he’s going to be very fit coming off two races at

[ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY: Prep races, point standings, replays]

Tampa,” Terranova said. “The timing’s good, I think he fits in well with that type of track. Speed is pretty good. He’s got good tactical speed; it makes a lot of sense aiming for that.”

Terranova said Manuka Honey, the 7 1/4-length winner of the Suncoast Stakes at Tampa on March 9, will be pointed to either the Grade 2, $250,000 Gazelle at Aqueduct on April 6 or the Grade 2, $400,000 Fantasy at Oaklawn Park on April 10.

Last Gunfighter preps for Excelsior

Last Gunfighter, a winner of four consecutive races, including the Evening Attire last out, worked five furlongs in 1:00.31 over the Belmont training track in preparation for next Saturday’s Grade 3, $150,000 Excelsior Stakes at Aqueduct.

Last Gunfighter worked in company with Crushing, and the two got their final quarter in 24.48 seconds. Rajiv Maragh was up on Last Gunfighter and will ride him in the Excelsior.

“He’s doing extremely well. He’s been training great, looks great,” said Cherie DeVaux, the New York-based assistant for trainer Chad Brown.

Geral John Pinault 5 months ago
Pick the winner of the Arkansas Derby and then play a tri wheel w/Falling Sky 2nd and 3rd. That's what I did in the Tampa Bay Derby. I took down $282 for a $2 tri wheel w/Verrazano 1st and Falling Sky wheeled 2nd & 3rd w/everybody else for a $14 investment...
BrassMonkyBalls 5 months ago
actually I think he's a nice little horse. Had him in the Sam Davis and thought turning for him I was done with him....but he's a game little bugger. Agree nowhere near a Derby horse but he's a useful sort and tries hard every time. Problem is the Ark Derby is too long for him. I get trying to get points but he doesn't belong in the Derby anyhow. This years crop seems to be better than recent memory from a talent and depth perspective
Albert 5 months ago
If the trainer is so disappointed in not finishing 2nd to Verrazano, why not just leave Falling Sky in NY and get dusted by him again in the Wood? A couple of horses do well in the Triple Crown after running a race at Tampa and all of a sudden it's the place to go to get legged up? 'Good luck' as the Albanian said.
Sam 5 months ago
Well, he's concided the Derby to Verrazano, but he thinks he could get Place.So, he's looking for points. Don't denegrate the Tampa Derby. Think Barbaro.
Chris Lowe 5 months ago
No Barbaro was not in the TBD.
Nathan 5 months ago
his last race was excellent. h needs a rest. he is nowhere near a derby horse. guaranteed to bounce in arkansas.