Although a run for Social Inclusion in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) could have been a remote possibility, the connections of the late-developing colt have decided to focus on the May 17 Preakness Stakes (gr. I) as their goal.
To that end, the Pioneerof the Nile colt breezed three furlongs in a swift :34.41 before galloping out four furlongs in :45 3/5 at Gulfstream Park.
Following the work, Ron Sanchez of Rontos Racing Stable Corp. expressed doubt that Social Inclusion, who currently ranks 24th on the points list that decides the 20-horse Derby field, would draw into the first jewel of the Triple Crown.
"At this moment, I don't think we'll ship to Kentucky. It doesn't make sense to pay a $25,000 entry fee, plus all the other expenses, when you're 24th and also-eligible," Sanchez said. "He's going to train here and then we hope to get a prep for the Preakness. We'll make a final decision on Monday."
The Manny Azpurua-trained Social Inclusion is scheduled to breeze again at Gulfstream that morning, April 28.
The Kentucky-bred colt created a buzz at Gulfstream Feb. 22 when he debuted with a 7 1/2-length romp in a six-furlong maiden race in 1:09.35. He came right back to break Gulfstream's track record for 1 1/16 miles on March 12, scoring by 10 lengths in 1:40.97.
In his third lifetime start, Social Inclusion set the pace to mid-stretch in the TwinSpires.com Wood Memorial (gr. I) at Aqueduct Racetrack April 5 before faltering to third. He was nosed out of a second-place finish that would have meant a starting berth in the Kentucky Derby.
