Transgress skipping Sunland Derby

Transgress had been pointed for the Grade 3, $800,000 Sunland Derby on March 25, but will pass on the race, trainer D. Wayne Lukas said on Tuesday. Transgress was second by a neck in an allowance last month at his base of Oaklawn. Lukas said plans are to be determined for Transgress.

The Sunland Derby is just starting to take shape. Officials said those possible for the 1 1/8-mile race, which carries qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby, include All Out Blitz, Dark Vader, Dream Baby Dream, New York Central, and Runaway Ghost.

The Sunland Derby will share a program with the $200,000 Sunland Oaks. Officials said potential starters for the Sunland Oaks, a 1 1/16-mile race that carries Kentucky Oaks points, include Blamed, Charge Back, Poetic, and Thirteen Squared.

The draw for the Sunland Derby program will be held next Wednesday.