No set plans for Rated by Merit's return

Rated by Merit was the undisputed local juvenile champion here in 2024 and owned the fastest Beyer Speed Figure, a 99, turned in by any 2-year-old in North America last year. But just when the undefeated and untested son of Battalion Runner will make his much-anticipated 3-year-old debut remains up in the air at this time.

Trainer Michael Yates reported Thursday that Rated by Merit is still on the farm in Ocala getting the much deserved R&R his connections indicated he was entitled to following his easy and very popular six-length victory in the 1 1/16-mile In Reality Stakes on Nov. 30. The In Reality capped off a 2-year-old campaign during which he went virtually unchallenged in four starts while also becoming the 11th youngster to sweep all three legs of the open division of the Florida Sire Series.

“He’s having some planned, scheduled time off and his return is still to be determined,” Yates said.

The local road to the Kentucky Derby was to begin with Saturday’s one-mile Mucho Macho Man Stakes and continues with the first major test for 3-year-olds in South Florida, the Grade 3 Holy Bull on Feb. 1.

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