Zenden possible for Lexington Stakes or Pat Day Mile

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Hidden Scroll isn’t the only 3-year-old who finished fourth in a major Kentucky Derby prep after setting a very fast and contested pace.

So, too, did Zenden, who posted splits of 22.79 seconds, 45.85, and 1:09.57 while pressed by Well Defined for the opening six furlongs of the Tampa Bay Derby. He led until midstretch but gradually weakened while making his first start beyond seven furlongs.

Unlike Florida Derby contender Hidden Scroll, however, Zenden will take the more conservative route moving forward. Trainer Victor Barboza Jr. said the 1 1/16-mile Lexington at Keeneland on April 13 would likely be next for Zenden, who breezed an easy five furlongs in 1:02.40 here immediately after the first renovation break on Friday with jockey Tyler Gaffalione aboard.

“I loved his work today,” said Barboza. “I told Tyler to just have him go easy, and he got him to relax nicely. The post position might have cost us in the Tampa Derby. Because he broke all the way outside from post 11, he had to really go early, and then [Well Defined] pressed him the whole way. Things might have been different if he had a better post.”

Barboza, who mentioned the Pat Day Mile at Churchill Downs as a second possible option for Zenden, said the Preakness could be the next major goal for his lightly raced 3-year-old. Despite the grueling pace duel, Zenden posted a career-best 88 Beyer Speed Figure in the Tampa Bay Derby.

Zenden is scheduled to have one more work locally before departing for Keeneland a week from Sunday.

◗ The spring-summer meet opens Thursday and will continue through Sept. 29, with racing held Thursdays through Sundays. There also is racing on Monday, May 27, and Wednesdays on June 5, July 31, and Sept. 25. As usual, the session will be highlighted by the Summit of Speed on June 29, featuring the Grade 2, $250,000 Princess Rooney and Grade 3, $250,000 Smile Sprint.