Gufo, Decorated Invader start preparing for next act

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Gufo and Decorated Invader, who finished second and fifth in the Saratoga Derby Invitational two weeks ago, breezed over the Oklahoma turf course Monday. Both are trained by Christophe Clement.

Gufo was beaten a head by Domestic Spending after a bit of an eventful trip, while Decorated Invader finished less than a length behind the winner as the odds-on favorite in the 1 3/16-mile Saratoga Derby. Gufo worked a leisurely four furlongs in 51.20 seconds on Monday, while Decorated Invader posted a bullet half-mile in 48.60. Both 3-year-olds worked inside the dogs.

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Clement said afterward that Gufo could make his next start in the Belmont Derby Invitational going 1 1/4 miles on Oct. 3 with the Kentucky Downs Derby as a second option. Clement is looking to turn Decorated Invader back in distance next time, with the Grade 2 Hill Prince at a mile on Oct. 12 at Belmont Park a possible option.

Clement said he was not disappointed in Gufo’s second-place finish in the Saratoga Derby, despite the fact he could have won the race with a luckier trip.

“I’m never disappointed in my horses when they run well as he did in the Saratoga Derby,” Clement said. “When things like that happen, you just have to turn the page and move on.”