As many as five colts who raced in Saturday's Toyota Blue Grass (gr. I) may return in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), to be run May 7 at Churchill Downs.Bandini, the six-length winner, is obviously at the head of the list.
"He came out of the race great," said trainer Todd Pletcher. "He's bright and alert and all systems are go for Churchill Downs."
Exiting the Toyota Blue Grass in fine fettle, runner-up High Limit is also right on schedule for a run at the roses.
"He'd only been out once this year," trainer Bobby Frankel said. "He needed a hard race and he got one. I needed to put a little fitness in him for the Derby and this race accomplished that."
Although Closing Argument ran a solid race, trainer Kiaran McLaughlin was non-committal about the Derby but didn't rule it out.
"I'm just happy he ran well." McLaughlin stated. "I'm real proud of him. I'll have to talk with Mr. and Mrs. Cohen about the Derby."
Favored Sun King had an off day, running fourth in the Toyota Blue Grass (gr. I), but trainer Nick Zito remains optimistic about his horse.
"For some reason, he just didn't fire," Zito said. "We'll try and regroup. The Derby might be a different story."
Although fifth-place finisher Consolidator was beaten by more than 13 lengths, Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas still is planning to send him to the Derby.
"I know my horse is a better horse than that," said Lukas. "We are committed to the Derby."