Confidence Game, one-length winner of the Rebel Stakes on Feb. 25 at Oaklawn Park, is unlikely to run back March 25 in the Louisiana Derby. Trainer Keith Desmormeaux is keeping options open for Confidence Game, who could run on April 1 in the Arkansas Derby, on April 8 in the Blue Grass, or train right into the Kentucky Derby.  “That’s in the equation, too,” Desormeaux said Wednesday. “It took him a little longer than usual to recover from that race, and I want to make sure he’s physically and mentally able for the Kentucky Derby. The main question is, how do I get him to that race in prime condition.”  :: Take your handicapping to the next level and play with FREE DRF Past Performances - Formulator or Classic.  Desormeaux speculated that a steep temperature gradient accentuated the toll the Rebel took on Confidence Game. He said it was cool when the colt left New Orleans for Oaklawn and cool at Oaklawn, but that Confidence Game shipped back into several days of 80-degree weather at Fair Grounds.  “He’s in steady light training at this point. The horse looks great. We’ll see how he does the next two weeks. Typically, I give them a light breeze two weeks after they race, but I’m 90 percent sure I’m going to skip that work with him,” said Desormeaux.  :: KENTUCKY DERBY 2023: Derby Watch, point standings, prep schedule, news, and more Desormeaux does plan to run Single Ruler in the $1 million Louisiana Derby, a 1 3/16-mile race on March 25. Single Ruler in his fifth outing won a maiden route race on Jan. 21 at Fair Grounds, and despite having a very difficult trip, closed to finish fifth making his stakes debut in the Risen Star on Feb. 18.   “I love the way the horse is training. The extra distance should help him,” Desormeaux said.  :: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.