Elite Alex to bypass Rebel and run in Louisiana Derby
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Elite Alex will be scratched from Saturday’s Grade 2, $300,000 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn and will run next in the Grade 2, $1 million Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds on March 26, his trainer, Tim Ritchey, said on Saturday morning.
“There we've got a mile and an eighth, which should suit him better, a lot longer stretch, which would suit him better, and a bigger purse to get him more graded money,” Ritchey said. “The whole point is trying to get to the Derby.”
Elite Alex last raced on Feb. 21, and closed for third in the Grade 3, $250,000 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn, which was his graded debut. For the Rebel, he drew post 10 in an original field of 13.
Ritchey said Calvin Borel has the mount in the Louisiana Derby. Elite Alex is scheduled to breeze for the race on Sunday. He is the third scratch from the Rebel, behind Glint and Dreaminofthewin.