Endlessly might be back in Kentucky Derby picture

Endlessly is scheduled for his first workout over the Churchill Downs dirt track Friday or Saturday, although his Kentucky Derby status is uncertain. Endlessly has won five of six on turf and synthetic, including four stakes and a four-length victory March 23 in the Grade 3 Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park. Endlessly earned 100 Derby qualifying points.

A multiple stakes winner who has never started on dirt, Endlessly could return to grass May 4 for the Grade 2 American Turf on the Derby undercard, but Thoroughbred Daily News reported this week the colt’s owners are considering the Kentucky Derby. Endlessly is owned and bred by John and Jerry Amerman; trainer Michael McCarthy confirmed the development.

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“We are leaving all of our options open,” McCarthy said this week. “Mr. Amerman would like to remain open-minded.”

Endlessly is stabled at Churchill. “He’ll work once a week; he’ll be running on May 4,” the trainer said referring to the Kentucky Derby or American Turf.

Sired by Oscar Performance, Endlessly has won five races and $707,200. His Grade 3 wins include the Jeff Ruby on synthetic, in addition to the Del Mar Juvenile Turf and Zuma Beach on turf at Santa Anita. He also won the $100,000 El Camino Real Derby on synthetic at Golden Gate Fields.

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