Kentucky Derby 2019 Radar: Roadster targets a major prep

Bob Baffert declared Roadster on the 2019 Kentucky Derby trail following a recent two-turn allowance score, and this week the Hall of Fame trainer said he’ll try a higher-profile spot next out.

“That’s what we’re shooting for,” said Baffert, who confirmed the April 6 Santa Anita Derby (G1) is in mind for the son of Quality Road.

Speedway Stable’s re-emerging star colt could be joined by a stablemate as the distance stretches to 1 1/8 miles, with Baffert considering keeping Game Winner in town and shipping Improbable for the Arkansas Derby (G1) after those two clash in Saturday’s San Felipe Stakes (G2).

The San Felipe awards Derby points on a 50-20-10-5 scale to the Top 4. Levels will rise to 100-40-20-10 for the Santa Anita Derby, meaning Roadster needs a win or runner-up finish to punch his ticket to Churchill Downs.

“He came back and ran really hard,” said Baffert, who saddled the colt for a 2 1/2-length victory going a mile in 1:37.53. Roadster in the process beat another horse whose connections have some Derby dreams in John Sadler-trained Nolo Contesto.

Friday’s allowance marked Roadster’s third career start.

Baffert is looking at Derby trail spots outside of California, too. He said the multiple Grade winner Mucho Gusto is probable for Oaklawn Park’s March 16 Rebel Stakes (G2). Debut winner Dessman, who scratched from the Roadster allowance, is possible to ship there with him.

“We’re going to find a spot,” Baffert said. “He’s going to work (Tuesday) and then we’ll decide.”

The trainer’s also sending recent allowance winner Much Better out of state for Aqueduct’s Gotham Stakes (G3).

“Right now, I think he’s a one turn horse,” Baffert said, “but as they get older — I remember Bayern was a one-turn horse and then all of a sudden, boom. Some horses get older and they can carry that speed farther.”