Taxed candidate for Derby City Distaff
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Taxed is under serious consideration for the Grade 1, $1 million Derby City Distaff at Churchill Downs, said trainer Randy Morse. The seven-furlong race for fillies and mares will be run May 3.
Taxed won an Oaklawn allowance over six furlongs in her most recent start on March 9, closing from more than 15 lengths off the pace for a neck win.
“She got it done,” Morse said. “I might try the Grade 1 at Churchill going seven-eighths. We’ll kind of just play it by ear and we’ll see.”
A Grade 2 winner, Taxed is nearing career earnings of $900,000.
Another notable sprinter for the Morse barn is Asternia, who won an Oaklawn allowance in her last start Feb. 24.
“She’s possible for the Matron,” Morse said of the race next Saturday at Oaklawn. “We’ll see. I want to get her back on the grass Derby week at Churchill. That’s my main goal. I can’t wait to [sprint] her on the turf.”
Asternia, whose maiden win came in a turf sprint, is a candidate for the Grade 3, $400,000 Unbridled Sidney at Churchill Downs, said Morse. The 5 1/2-furlong turf race for fillies and mares is May 2.
Kantex, another notable female runner for Morse, is nearing a return to action and has a goal of the $150,000 Natural State Breeders for fillies and mares at a mile April 27 at Oaklawn. The race is for Arkansas-breds and Kantex won it last year, as well as the Downthedustyroad Stakes.
◗ Full Screen, who was fourth last out in the Grade 3 Razorback Handicap at Oaklawn, is a candidate for the track’s American Pharoah, said trainer Mark Casse.
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