Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, a six-time Kentucky Derby (G1) winner, has reduced his squad of Thoroughbreds for the May 3 Run for the Roses from three to two. Wood Memorial Stakes (G2) winner Rodriguez and reigning champion 2-year-old male Citizen Bull remain pointed to the 1 1/4-mile first leg of the Triple Crown, but not Madaket Road, who would have been a Derby longshot.
Madaket Road, a son of Quality Road who was a last-out fourth in the March 29 Florida Derby (G1), is now aimed at the Pat Day Mile Stakes (G2) on the Kentucky Derby undercard, where he could possibly be joined by a stablemate such as Romanesque or Cornucopian. All of these 3-year-olds are owned by SF Racing, Madaket Stables, Starlight Racing, and other partners.
Both Citizen Bull and Madaket Road breezed April 18 at Santa Anita Park. Citizen Bull was clocked covering six furlongs in company in 1:11 4/5, and Madaket Road went five furlongs in 1:00 4/5.
"Madaket Road worked well, but we feel the distance is better for him at one mile," Baffert said. "Citizen Bull worked well today and Rodriguez will work Sunday."
Madaket Road's defection opens opportunities for other horses to join the Derby lineup, which is limited to 20 starters. Built has a spot if his connections desire to run. In recent weeks after Built tired to fifth in the 1 3/16-mile Louisiana Derby (G2), Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners listed the Pat Day Mile as the next upcoming race for Built on its website.
Aron Wellman, president and founder of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, said a decision on Built's next race will not be made until after the colt's next breeze.
If the Wayne Catalano-trained Built does not run in the Derby, or another potential starter bows out, that would open a spot for Neoequos to compete. Officials from Churchill Downs use qualifying points as a preference system when the race overfills.
Render Judgment, Baeza, and California Burrito are others that could potentially join the Derby lineup. The Derby is capped at 20 starters, though up to four others can join the race as also-eligibles and draw into the Derby with scratches issued by the morning of Kentucky Oaks day, May 2.
Santa Anita Derby (G1) runner-up Baeza is the most highly regarded Derby prospect of those currently on the list of alternates. The John Shirreffs trainee is a possibility for the May 17 Preakness Stakes (G1) if he does not get into the Derby field.
Neoequos, owned by C2 Racing Stable, Ian Parsard, Shining Stables, and Stefania Farms, breezed five furlongs in 1:00.51 Friday at Gulfstream Park in South Florida. He was third in the 1 1/8-mile Florida Derby and third in the 1 1/16-mile Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) in recent months.
Speaking of Neoequos before the announced defection of Madaket Road, trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. noted, "Right now, we're going to the Derby. The distance is still a question mark, but he keeps running well enough and fast enough on the figures to keep going and try."
Joseph expects to work him again next week before sending him to Churchill Downs. Derby horses must be on the grounds a week before the race.
Heading to Kentucky from Florida April 19 is Tappan Street, the Florida Derby winner for owners WinStar Farm, CHC, and Cold Press Racing. The Into Mischief colt breezed five furlongs Friday in company in 1:01 2/5 at Payson Park Training Center for trainer Brad Cox.
Also breezing Friday for the Kentucky Derby was Virginia Derby winner American Promise, who went seven furlongs in 1:25 1/5 at Oaklawn Park in a gate drill.
