Blue Grass likely target for Ocho Ocho Ocho

ARCADIA, Calif. – Ocho Ocho Ocho, the winner of the $1 million Delta Jackpot Stakes in Louisiana last November but eighth in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes on March 7, is likely to run in the $1 million Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland on April 4.

Trainer Jim Cassidy said on Wednesday that he is “probably leaning toward Keeneland” as opposed to a start in the $1 million Santa Anita Derby the same day. The Blue Grass Stakes and Santa Anita Derby are run at 1 1/8 miles and are key preps for Triple Crown races.

Cassidy said the competition will be a factor in the final decision he reaches with owner Deron Pearson.

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“This race is coming up a lot stronger than the Keeneland race,” Cassidy said of the Santa Anita Derby.

“It’d be nice to beat these horses, but you could cook him. If he doesn’t win the Blue Grass, well, I don’t get Derby fever.”

Dortmund, unbeaten in five starts, will be favored in the Santa Anita Derby. Carpe Diem, the winner of the Tampa Bay Derby on March 7, is the top contender for the Blue Grass.

On Wednesday at Santa Anita, Ocho Ocho Ocho worked five furlongs in 1:01, his second workout since the San Felipe Stakes.

“He looked sensational this morning,” Cassidy said.

Ocho Ocho Ocho, by Street Sense, has won 3 of 4 starts and earned $693,850.