Odysseus may get a prep race for Derby

If the connections of Tampa Bay Derby winner Odysseus elect to run their horse again before the Kentucky Derby, they will likely choose between the Arkansas Derby or Blue Grass, trainer Tom Albertrani said Friday.

"We're thinking of one more race, all subject to how he's training," Albertrani said. "If we don't think he's up to it, then we'll wait the seven weeks."

Albertrani said Odysseus galloped Friday morning at Palm Meadows.

Albertrani said the Blue Grass is attractive because the horse would have to ship only one time, as opposed to shipping to Arkansas and then to Kentucky. However, running in the Blue Grass would mean running over a synthetic surface at Keeneland. Albertrani said Odysseus did not breeze well over a synthetic surface prior to his sale as a 2-year-old.

The Arkansas Derby could come up a tougher race, led potentially by Lookin At Lucky, Noble's Promise, and Dublin.

"Track surface may be more of a decision then who shows up where," Albertrani said.

Tiz the One eyes Arkansas Derby

Another horse being considered for the Arkansas Derby is Tiz the One, the lightly raced 3-year-old who won a one-mile allowance race here last Sunday by 1 1/2 lengths, earning a 101 Beyer Speed Figure.

"My first choice would be the Arkansas Derby," trainer Chad Brown said. "Other races are a little quick back."