Chocolate Martini, Dark Templar possible for stakes next

Neither the 3-year-old filly Chocolate Martini nor the 3-year-old colt Dark Templar broke the clock, but both at least ran decently in winning first-level dirt-route allowances Sunday and Monday at Fair Grounds.

Chocolate Martini, claimed for $30,000 out of her previous start by trainer Tom Amoss and owner Double Doors Racing LLC, won by a neck Sunday and got a solid 82 Beyer Speed Figure. Chocolate Martini started under the race’s $50,000 claiming option and thus could run back at the same level, but Amoss said the filly would be considered for races like the Fair Grounds Oaks.

“That horse came to me in very good shape, and I liked the way she ran,” Amoss said. “Sometimes the light just goes on with horses, and maybe mentally she’s starting to get it. We’ll consider the Fair Grounds Oaks. She’s nominated to it, and we’ll see how the field comes up.”

Dark Templar, a Tapit colt making his fourth start, went to the lead and never was headed Monday, earning a career-best 80 Beyer.

“I’ve no idea yet where he’ll run,” trainer Brendan Walsh said Wednesday. “We’re going to look at a few stakes, but we’ll see how he comes out first. If he seems worthy of a shot in one of the [Kentucky Derby] trials, then we’ll take a shot in one of the trials.”

◗ Friday’s nine-race program starts at 5 p.m. Central.