Kobe's Back could head to Kentucky for Churchill Downs Handicap

Kobe’s Back, who won his second straight stakes race in the Grade 2 San Carlos on Saturday at Santa Anita, could head to Kentucky for his next start. His trainer, Pete Eurton, said the Grade 2, $500,000 Churchill Downs Handicap on May 7 – Kentucky Derby Day – is something he and owners Lee and Susan Searing are strongly considering.

The Churchill Downs, like the San Carlos, is at seven furlongs.

“How much fun would that be to run on Derby Day?” Eurton said. “It would be like going to a big party that you weren’t invited to. There’s a good possibility that’s where we’ll go.”

Kobe’s Back has added blinkers for his last two starts, and he has broken much better than in prior starts. He won the Grade 2 Palos Verdes going six furlongs on Feb. 7.

“Gary,” Eurton said, referring to regular rider Gary Stevens, “said he walked right into the gate and stuck his nose right in the V. And he was so much closer. He didn’t fall all the way out of it. It’s nice to see him do that on his own and still have the same punch.”