Imperialism appears headed for Louisiana Downs' Super Derby (gr. II) Sept. 25 if trainer Kristin Mulhall and owner Steve Taub can agree on who will ride. Mulhall said Wednesday that the two had come to an agreement on where the third-place 2004 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) finisher could make his next start, but Mulhall says they're at odds over a rider. Taub wants to sign up a local rider instead of shipping one to Louisiana, and Mulhall says she won't send the horse unless she can send a regular rider from Southern California.
Kent Desormeaux has been riding the 3-year-old. If the horse doesn't run in the Super Derby, Mulhall said, he'll probably show up next in the Oak Tree Derby (gr. IIT) on the turf Oct. 17.