Imperia possible for Spiral Stakes

Imperia, who finished fifth as the favorite Saturday in the Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds, could make his next start in the Spiral Stakes at Turfway Park on March 21, trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said Wednesday from the Palm Meadows training center in Florida.

McLaughlin said the Spiral could be a determining factor in whether Imperia gets a shot at this year's Kentucky Derby on May 2 or moves back to turf. After making three starts on turf last year to begin his career, Imperia finished second in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes at Churchill Downs in his first try on dirt. The Risen Star was his second start on dirt. He was ridden in the Risen Star by Mike Smith.

"Mike said he struggled with the track, that he was 'swimming,' " McLaughlin said. "Maybe he's a turf horse who likes Churchill Downs, like some turf horses do. The Spiral is possible. If he runs there, he'd have to run 1-2 to go on to the Derby. If not that, he might go back to the turf and point for the Belmont Derby."

McLaughlin added that possible options for Frosted, fourth in the Fountain of Youth Stakes on Saturday, include the Florida Derby on March 28 or either the Wood Memorial or Blue Grass one week later.

McLaughlin said final decisions on where both horses go would be made in consultation with Jimmy Bell, who oversees the U.S.-based interests of owner Godolphin Racing.

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