McPeek pleased with Blackout Time, will likely go on to Arkansas Derby

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Blackout Time finished fourth in the Rebel in his first start since a runner-up finish in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Futurity in October at Keeneland. He likely will advance to the Arkansas Derby, according to his trainer, Kenny McPeek.

“I was pleased with his race for the most part,” McPeek said of the Rebel. “I thought that we pressed the pace a little bit and I think it was a pretty quick pace and I think that took a little steam out of him in the finish. We knew he was going to need the race, so look, I think for him to hang on for fourth, fine.

“The next race, he’s definitely going to improve off this one just fitness-wise. We’re excited for the next one.”

McPeek said Blackout Time would likely return to Fair Grounds to prepare for his next start, but that was still being decided, he added. McPeek also has a division at Oaklawn.

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Blackout Time is tied for 20th in points with 15.

McPeek trainee Honey’s To Blame, an Arkansas-bred who had won an open company allowance route at Oaklawn one start before the Rebel, finished seventh Sunday. He won his maiden over Arkansas-breds earlier this meet and could return to that company.

“He came out of the race in good order,” McPeek said. “He’s going to need a little bit softer spot than that. He’s a tryer, at the same time. Maybe not at that level. We’re working on picking some spots here.”

McPeek said Honey’s to Blame is a candidate for the $150,000 Rainbow for Arkansas-breds on April 4. The six-furlong race is for 3-year-olds. Later in the meet, the $200,000 Arkansas Breeders Championship is for 3-year-olds an up at two turns May 2.

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