Derby Trail Prep Probables

[HaloWishingwell]

From the DRF ; Theregoesjojo may still pursue Derby trail

Trainer Ken McPeek hasn't ruled out the Derby just yet for Theregoesjojo after his third-place finish in the Florida Derby.

Theregoesjojo attempted to rally in company with runner-up Dunkirk into the stretch, but was clearly backing up behind the leaders when he was taken up sharply behind winner Quality Road at the head of the stretch. Theregoesjojo was defeated nearly eight lengths by Quality Road and six lengths for second by Dunkirk.

"We changed our tactics a bit because the thinking was we needed to stay within striking distance of Quality Road," said McPeek. "He was the best horse on Saturday, no ifs, ands, or buts. He's got more speed and he's got more stamina than us."

McPeek said he planned to ship Theregoesjojo to his farm in Lexington, Ky., this week while keeping his options open between now and Derby Day.

"I'm not ruling out the Blue Grass depending upon how that race shapes up. Or he could run in the Lexington," said McPeek. "I think he's going to really like the Polytrack. And I still have the grass angle to play with him as well."