Arkansas Derby Next for Far Right

Far Right (Notional), winner of Sunday’s GIII Southwest S., is expected to make his next start in the Apr. 11 GI Arkansas Derby. Connections have opted to skip the Mar. 14 GII Rebel S., the next race in Oaklawn’s Triple Crown prep race series, to ensure they have a fresh horse for a possible tilt at the GI Kentucky Derby. 

“We decided to try to not just get there [to the Kentucky Derby], but get there with enough healthy horse to do some damage,” trainer Ron Moquett explained. “We’re trying to get there with the most horse.” 

Southwest runner-up The Truth or Else (Yes It’s True) is scheduled to make his next start in the Rebel, while Zayat Stable’s third-place finisher Mr. Z (Scat Daddy) heads to Fair Grounds for the Mar. 28 GII Louisiana Derby. The Zayat family will be represented by juvenile champion American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile) in the Rebel. 

Juvenile filly champion Take Charge Brandi (Giant’s Causeway) is also possible for the Rebel. 

“I guess we’re going to have to look at it and see,” owner Willis Horton said. “I haven’t completely made up my mind yet, but I would like to run in the Rebel. That’s exactly where I’d like to.” 

The other option for Take Charge Brandi would be the Mar. 7 GIII Honeybee S. against her own sex.