Secular Nation stretching out in Charles Taylor Derby

Secular Nation will attempt to remain perfect in two career starts Saturday night when he stretches out in distance for the $70,000 Charles Taylor Derby at the Downs at Albuquerque.

A field of eight is set to start in the 1 1/16-mile race.

Secular Nation debuted in the $50,000 Duke City Sprint on June 29 at Albuquerque and led throughout for a 7 1/2-length win, covering 5 1/2 furlongs on a fast track in 1:03. He earned a Beyer Speed figure of 83. It’s the best last-race number in the Charles Taylor.

Secular Nation gets pedigree support for the move to two turns as a son of Distorted Humor and the A.P. Indy mare Adrina. He looks like the one to catch from post 4, with Alfredo Juarez Jr. aboard for trainer Henry Dominguez. Secular Nation races for J. Kirk and Judy Robison.

Colonel Pike, who was second in the Duke City, will be making his two-turn debut in the Charles Taylor. Sphene is moving back to two turns, and when he last raced at the configuration he was second against older rivals in the $150,000 Sunland Park Handicap in April.

Miguel Hernandez trains Sphene for Judge Lanier Racing, and the team will also start Trooper and Flat Fast.