Governor Malibu might lower his sights

ELMONT, N.Y. – Governor Malibu, a New York-bred 3-year-old, was nominated to the Pennsylvania Derby but may be pointed to an easier spot, trainer Christophe Clement said Sunday.

In his last three starts, Governor Malibu finished fourth in the Belmont Stakes, second in the Jim Dandy, and fifth in the Travers. He is still eligible for a first-level open or second-level New York-bred allowance condition. Then there is the $300,000 Empire Classic for New York-breds on Oct. 22.

“For the year, we just said it’d be wonderful to regroup and go back in an easier race,” Clement said. “It’d be great to run him at Belmont Park because he loves Belmont. We’ll speak to the owners, and I’ll make up my mind in the coming week.”

On Sunday, Governor Malibu worked five furlongs in 1:01 under Joel Rosario, his first work since the Travers.