Bold Ruler might be next for Pop Keenan

Pop Keenan was the first Remington Park starter for Kentucky Derby-winning trainer John Servis, and he finished a fast-closing third in the $150,000 David M. Vance on Sunday. The next stop could be Belmont Park.

Servis said Pop Keenan will be considered for the Grade 3, $200,000 Bold Ruler at seven furlongs Oct. 27. Pop Keenan was to fly back to his Parx Racing base Wednesday.

Pop Keenan found himself farther back than usual in the Vance. He closed from last and just missed second by a neck.

“He broke a little sluggish, got stuck behind a wall of horses, swung out wide,” Servis said.

Servis had two other starters on the card, both in the Grade 3, $400,000 Oklahoma Derby. Diamond King finished third, beaten a head, and First Mondays closed from 11th to sixth.

First Mondays is a promising son of Curlin who ran third in the Grade 3 Smarty Jones in August at Parx.

“He’s a horse that we’re putting away for the rest of the year,” Servis said. “I look for him to have a really good year next year. He’s still immature. He’s got so much talent.”

Servis said First Mondays reacted to the dirt hitting his face in the Oklahoma Derby and once clear came running. He’s made four starts, launching his career with a pair of sprint wins at Gulfstream.