Senor Buscador eyes Rebel or Santa Anita Derby for next start

Senor Buscador, the promising 3-year-old based at Sam Houston Race Park, could see Kentucky Derby prep action at Oaklawn or Santa Anita.

Trainer Todd Fincher said Monday that the Grade 2, $1 million Rebel on March 13 at Oaklawn and the Grade 1, $750,000 Santa Anita Derby on April 3 are options being discussed with owner Joe Peacock Jr.

Senor Buscador won the $200,000 Springboard Mile in December at Remington Park with a last-to-first surge and a strong Beyer Speed Figure of 93. He launched his 3-year-old season last Saturday in the Grade 2 Risen Star at Fair Grounds and finished fifth, 7 1/4 lengths behind winner Mandaloun.

“I think he ran a way better race than it looks on paper,” Fincher said of Senor Buscador. “He’s not a speed horse. Being on the lead or close to it was definitely an advantage on Saturday.

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“He made a big burst in the turn. The way everything was playing it was death to him. Watching all day, nothing closed, really. And the pace wasn’t fast to begin with. Everything was against him. When you’ve got a horse like him, things have to go your way.”

Fincher said he was very pleased with how Senor Buscador emerged from the Risen Star. He planned to ship the horse back to Sam Houston on Wednesday.

“I think Oaklawn’s a great option, and even possibly California,” he said. “I think Oaklawn and Santa Anita are a little fairer tracks for a closer.”

Senor Buscador is a winner of 2 of 3 starts, with his other win coming in a maiden special weight sprint in November at Remington.