Pletcher looking to get Theory started

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Trainer Todd Pletcher has been forced to go to Plan B with Grade 3 winner Theory, who was scheduled to launch his 3-year-old campaign here last Saturday in the Spectacular Bid Stakes, which ended up being scrapped due to a lack of entries. Theory, a son of Gemologist, has not started since finishing far back in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.

“Obviously, I’m disappointed the race didn’t go, and a little bit surprised as well,” said Pletcher. “We’ve been pointing to that race for a little while.”

Pletcher said he has several options for Theory’s first start of the year, including the six-furlong Bachelor Stakes at Oaklawn Park on April 13.

Pletcher said One Liner likely won’t return to Oaklawn for the Arkansas Derby on April 15 despite his impressive victory in the Southwest Stakes there this winter. Pletcher said he is leaning toward the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct with One Liner, who worked four furlongs in 49.60 at Palm Beach Downs on Saturday.

“He worked well,” said Pletcher. “It was definitely a better work than the previous week. He seems to be coming back into form.”