"He'll leave for Kentucky – Churchill Downs – on Tuesday," Ramsey said, "and from there he'll go on to Hot Springs. Of all the three big races that weekend, we think the Arkansas Derby will be best for him competition-wise and a good spot where he can get a good confidence builder and go forward to the (Kentucky) Derby. Mike Smith is 95 percent committed to ride him.
"Wayne (Lukas) said he worked great," Ramsey said. "He said he's really put on a lot of weight and improved since his last race so we're very much looking forward to his race."
Under the guidance of trainer Ken McPeek, Ten Cents a Shine became an early Kentucky Derby (gr. I) contender when he finished second in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (gr. II) at Churchill Downs late last year. He came back to dead heat in an allowance race in January, his sophomore debut. The colt then finished a well-beaten sixth in the Feb. 15 Fountain of Youth Stakes (gr. I). He was transferred to Lukas' care in California in late February, making his first start for the Hall of Famer in the San Felipe.
Overall, Ten Cents a Shine's career line stands at 5-2-1-0, $80,120.
Ramsey also confirmed that Risen Star Stakes winner Badge of Silver will be in the gate for the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) on the same day as the Arkansas Derby.
"My wife, Sarah, will be at Keeneland to lead Badge of Silver," Ramsey said. "And I will be at Oaklawn to lead Ten Cents a Shine."
