Clarke Lane possible for Blue Grass at Keeneland

Clarke Lane, second in an allowance race over a mile on Sunday at Santa Anita, could start in the $750,000 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland on April 16, trainer Simon Callaghan said on Tuesday.

“It’s just a thought, but we could supplement to the Blue Grass,” Callaghan said of the Grade 1 race over 1 1/8 miles. “He’s a real tough horse and he’s not lost any weight from the race. It’s something to look at. It’s back quick but it is that time of year with 3-year-old colts.”

KENTUCKY DERBY NEWS: Track all the 3-year-olds on the Triple Crown trail

In Sunday’s race, Clarke Lane, a Kentucky-bred by Giant’s Causeway, rallied from last in a field of eight in the final furlong to finish a neck behind pacesetter Uncle Sam as a 30-1 shot.

The allowance race was Clarke Lane’s first start since he finished seventh in a minor handicap at Newmarket, England, last August. He was acquired by Callaghan for approximately $80,000 last fall, and later sold to IEAH Stable and Pegasus Holding Group.

The Blue Grass Stakes is expected to draw a large field, including Santiva, the runner-up in the Breeders’ Futurity there last fall.
Callaghan said another option would be to try an allowance race for Clarke Lane and then consider the Belmont Stakes on June 11.

DRF MORNING LINE: Get out of the gate fast every day - sign up for DRF's free newsletter