Black Onyx Possible for GP Derby

Sterling Racing’s promising 2-year-old colt Black Onyx breezed a half-mile in 48 4/5 Thursday morning at Gulfstream Park as he continues preparation for his 3-year-old debut, which could come as soon as Tuesday, New Year’s Day in the $100,000 Gulfstream Park Derby at one mile.

“We’re considering that race. He’s doing great,” said trainer Carl Domino. “However, he’s only run twice and he’s ‘a other than’ (allowance condition). If we can get an allowance for him around two turns I’d love to do that first and then go on to the next big stakes race. He’s really come around. When we first got here he just wasn’t his usual self, but now he’s settled in like if we were still at Belmont.”

A son of Rock Hard Ten, Black Onyx ran twice in New York finishing second going 1 1/16 miles in his debut on Oct. 11 and breaking his maiden at a mile at Aqueduct on Nov. 11 in his second start, both races contested around one turn.