Joseph mulling Derby prep options for Ny Traffic, Disc Jockey

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Chance It isn’t the only horse trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. has on the Kentucky Derby trail at the moment. On Sunday, Joseph worked Ny Traffic and Disc Jockey, after which he said both would run in one of the upcoming Derby preps.

Ny Traffic, who finished third after setting a contested pace in a division of the Risen Star at Fair Grounds on Feb. 15, went four furlongs in 47.33 seconds and out five-eighths in 59.89 in company with Overdeliver. Disc Jockey, with Tyler Gaffalione aboard, was even more impressive, going an easy half-mile in 46.58 and out five furlongs in 59.39 with a couple of mates as targets.

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“Both worked well, and I think they each deserve a shot in a Derby prep,” Joseph said. “I’m considering the Gotham and Louisiana Derby for both, I doubt they’ll run here in the Florida Derby. Although I’m worried Disc Jockey might not get in at the Fair Grounds if the race overfills because he doesn’t have the earnings.”

Only five horses, led by Joseph’s much improved R U Lucky, signed on for Wednesday’s $44,000 allowance and optional-claiming feature carded at six furlongs for 3-year-old Florida breds. R U Lucky, haltered by Joseph for $35,000 out of a fourth-place finish in his 2-year-old finale, returned to beat $50,000 claiming foes by 10 lengths on Jan. 31.

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R U Lucky will face a compact group that includes the stakes-tested pair of Absolute Grit and Inter Miami, speedy Gran Casique, and recent maiden winner Flaming Hot.