Dr Post likely to bypass Kentucky Derby
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Dr Post, runner-up to Tiz the Law in the Belmont Stakes and third to Authentic in the Haskell, is likely to bypass the Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5 and could run either in the Jim Dandy that same day at Saratoga or perhaps wait for the Preakness on Oct. 3.
Todd Pletcher trains Dr Post for Vinnie and Teresa Viola’s St. Elias Stable. Pletcher said Viola seems to be leaning more toward Dr Post taking his next shot against Tiz the Law in the Preakness.
“We haven’t made a final decision yet,” Pletcher said Wednesday. “Wait and see how things go this week. I would say it’s leaning more towards not going than going.”
Dr Post is scheduled to have his next workout Friday morning.
If Dr Post does not run in the Derby, this would mark the first time since 2003 that Pletcher has not had a starter in the Kentucky Derby. That year, trainer Barclay Tagg and Sackatoga Stable won the Derby with Funny Cide. This year, that same trainer-owner combination will send out the Derby favorite in Tiz the Law.
◗ The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, shut down since January for renovations, will reopen to the public on Sept. 5. Per New York state health policies, the museum will open with a maximum 24 visitors, admitted every two hours.
A new signature 16-minute film, “What It Takes: Journey to the Hall of Fame,” will be shown four times daily 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m.
There have been updates made to several of the exhibits, including a new Race Day Gallery and gift shop.