Uncontested, the winner of the Smarty Jones Stakes in January at Oaklawn, emerged from a March 2 work in good order, and plans for his next start are being discussed with owners Harry Rosenblum and Bob LaPenta, trainer Wayne Catalano said this week. The Grade 2, $900,000 Rebel on March 18 at Oaklawn is one of those options, and another is the Grade 2, $1 million Blue Grass on April 8 at Keeneland.
The Grade 3, $1 million Delta Downs Jackpot got a boost last weekend when Gunnevera, who won the race in November, captured the Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park. In addition, J Boys Echo, who was fourth in the Jackpot, came back to capture the Gotham at Aqueduct.
Trainer John Shirreffs, who won the 2005 Kentucky Derby with Giacomo, has the potential to make some new Derby memories this spring. Famously patient, Shirreffs uncharacteristically has a pair of prospects for the May 6 Kentucky Derby in Gormley and Royal Mo.
Trainer Todd Pletcher reported Wednesday that Malagacy, undefeated and untested in a pair of local sprint tries to begin his career earlier in the meet, will make his next start at Oaklawn Park in the Grade 2, $900,000 Rebel Stakes on March 18.
Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for March 10
Trainer Rusty Arnold on Saturday will be looking to take a big step in toward returning to the Kentucky Derby for the first time in 25 years when Wild Shot runs in the Grade 2, $350,000 Tampa Bay Derby at Tampa Bay Downs.
Mo Town, who finished fifth as the favorite in the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds on Feb. 25, returned to the work tab Wednesday at Payson Park in Florida, and trainer Tony Dutrow said he is considering the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park on April 1 or the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct on April 8 for the colt's next start.
Road to the Derby: Gotham Stakes analysis
The pedigree question with Gormley was never how far he would run or how good his genetics suggested he could be – but, rather, what surface he would prefer.
Road to the Derby: Fountain of Youth Stakes analysis
