Rocket Can still under consideration for Kentucky Derby
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HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Rocket Can is being considered for a start in the Kentucky Derby, but no firm plans have been made for the horse, trainer Bill Mott said Tuesday.
Rocket Can shipped to Oaklawn Park from Florida for last Saturday's Arkansas Derby and finished fourth as the favorite. He now has 60 points for the Kentucky Derby, which ranks seventh.
“He’s making the trip to Churchill Downs tonight,” Mott said. “That doesn’t mean we’re running in the Derby. We’ll be there in case we decided to do that.
“We’re not ruling anything out. We’ll see how he comes back and how he does and we’ll go from there. We have a stable there, anyways, so he’s going to train there this month. If he continues to do real well and we’re excited about the way he’s training, we’ll point him in the direction of the Kentucky Derby.
“I believe he probably has enough points.”
Rocket Can was part of a trio of horses that came to the Arkansas Derby wire together following Angel of Empire, who won by 4 1/4 lengths. Rocket Can was beaten a total of 4 3/4 lengths and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 86.
“It wasn’t a bad race,” Mott said. “He gives me the impression that there’s a little more there we’re not getting. I think there’s still a little room for improvement.”
Rocket Can is a son of Into Mischief who races for Frank Fletcher. He came into the Arkansas Derby off a runner-up finish to champion Forte in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park. Prior to the start, Rocket Can opened his 3-year-old season with a win in the track’s Grade 3 Holy Bull.
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