Officer Still Possible for Kentucky Derby

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A slight chance remains that the Thoroughbred Corp.'s Officer will run in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), but trainer Bob Baffert first needs to see an impressive performance in Saturday's Coolmore Lexington Stakes (gr. II) at Keeneland.

"He would have to look like he did going one turn," Baffert said. "It's possible -- but not probable."

The son of Bertrando has won six of nine career races, but finished second in a restricted stakes and third in the Hollywood Futurity (gr. I) in his two attempts in two-turn races. Officer did cap a five-race win streak with a 3 3/4-length win in the 1 1/16-mile Champagne Stakes around one sweeping turn at Belmont Park.

"I know he likes one (turn)," said a smiling Baffert, "but I know as much as you guys (the media) know -- unfortunately. That's not a lot."

Meanwhile, works for Baffert-trained War Emblem and Habibti were postponed until Thursday when exercise rider Dana Barnes flight to Louisville was delayed due to severe weather in Texas.

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