Dalmore pointing to Super Derby

DEL MAR, Calif. – Dalmore, who finished fifth in the $1 million Pacific Classic last Saturday, is likely to return to the 3-year-old division for the $400,000 Super Derby at Louisiana Downs on Sept. 10, trainer Keith Desormeaux said on Wednesday.

The Grade 3 Super Derby is run at 1 1/8 miles.

Dalmore was the only 3-year-old in the Pacific Classic and finished 16 3/4 lengths behind winner California Chrome. Dalmore won the Grade 3 Affirmed Stakes at Santa Anita on July 2 in his preceding start.

Desormeaux said the timing of the Super Derby works for Dalmore, who races for a partnership that includes Big Chief Racing, Rocker O Ranch, and Desormeaux.

“I like the three weeks back because he had a long layoff between the Affirmed and Pacific Classic,” Desormeaux said. “If I see any regression, I’ll wait for the Oklahoma Derby.”

The $400,000 Oklahoma Derby is run at 1 1/8 miles at Remington Park on Sept. 25.