Derby prospect McKinzie breezes, keeps options open

ARCADIA, Calif. – McKinzie, the unbeaten winner of the CashCall Futurity at Los Alamitos, worked an easy half-mile in 49 seconds Sunday morning under Drayden Van Dyke as Baffert contemplates his options for the highly regarded Kentucky Derby prospect.

McKinzie won the Sham Stakes earlier this month, and Baffert – who is wont to change his mind – at the moment is considering two more races for McKinzie prior to the Derby on May 5. He said McKinzie could remain at Santa Anita, or head to Oaklawn for the Rebel Stakes on March 17. The Rebel and Arkansas Derby were used by American Pharoah as his final two preps before his Triple Crown sweep in 2015.

“We will have something at the Rebel,” said Baffert, who is sending Smarty Jones Stakes winner Mourinho back to Oaklawn for the Southwest on Feb. 19.

Also on Sunday, the recent maiden winner Peace worked five furlongs in 1:00.80 for trainer Richard Mandella, and Shivermetimbers worked five furlongs in 1:01.20 for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, both in advance of the Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita on Feb. 3.

Mike Smith rides Peace, while Rafael Bejarano will take over on Shivermetimbers after his disappointing performance in the Sham.