Timberlake continues prep for Blue Grass or Arkansas Derby

Timberlake, who opened his season with a win in the Grade 1, $1.25 million Rebel on Feb. 24 at Oaklawn, breezed Friday morning at Fair Grounds. He went a half-mile in 48.40 seconds on a fast track, the fifth-fastest move of 73 at the distance Friday in New Orleans.

“It was his first work back,” said trainer Brad Cox. “It was a really good move, by himself.”

Timberlake remains under consideration for the Arkansas Derby and Blue Grass, said Cox.

“I think the Arkansas Derby is definitely on our radar, or he possibly could end up in the Blue Grass,” Cox said. “We’d have two more works for the Arkansas Derby, three more for the Blue Grass. I love what I’ve seen from him since the Rebel. He’s continued to move forward.”

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Timberlake is a Grade 1 winner who races for Siena Farm and WinStar Farm.

Lucky Jeremy eyes Jeff Ruby

Lucky Jeremy, who was third in last month’s Grade 3 Sunland Derby, is being pointed for the Grade 3, $700,000 Jeff Ruby at Turfway Park, said trainer William Morey.

Lucky Jeremy had spent part of the winter at Sunland, where he won the Riley Allison Derby in his two-turn debut in January.

“We brought him home to Turfway and we’re going to try the Jeff Ruby,” Morey said. “We’ve been training him on the Tapeta. He trains very well over it.”

Lucky Jeremy finished 2 1/2 lengths behind Southern California shipper Stronghold in the Sunland Derby.

“It was a good race,” Morey said. “The winner ran very well. I thought we ran very well, too. I think he’s still improving.”

Lucky Jeremy is a son of Lookin At Lucky who races for Jeremy Ramsland.

The Sunland Derby was held about five weeks earlier than usual this year in a schedule change.

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