Aqueduct: Falling Sky to make next start in 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.