Indispensable will race in Oklahoma; 6 are left in Calif. Crown

Maiden winner Indispensable, who was cross-entered in both the Grade 1, $1 million California Crown and the $400,000 Oklahoma Derby (G3), will race at Remington Park on Sunday night, trainer John Sadler confirmed Thursday afternoon.

Sadler said the likely odds told the story of why he decided to ship Indispensable rather than stay home at Santa Anita to race Saturday afternoon.

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“Oklahoma probably 7-2. If I was to run at home against older horses, probably 20-1,” Sadler said. “We think he’s a nice horse, and hopefully he’s in that group next year, but as a 3-year-old, it would be fun to stay with our own age group right now.”

The runner-up to Muth last out in the Shared Belief Stakes on Sept. 1 at Del Mar, Indispensable was made the 3-1 second choice on the morning line for the 1 1/8-mile Oklahoma Derby. The Constitution colt is 10: 1-3-4 with $130,200 in earnings for owners Talla Racing, West Point Thoroughbreds and Edwin Barker.

With Reylu Gutiérrez riding from the rail post in the field of eight 3-year-olds, Indispensable faces seven other sophomores including 3-for-3 Most Wanted, the 5-2 program favorite.

Indispensable’s exit leaves the California Crown with six entrants still set to line up Saturday. Muth, National Treasure and Newgate, who have combined for six Grade 1 wins, were entered by Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert.

Saudi Cup (G1) winner Señor Buscador, Grade 3 victor Subsanador and black-type winner Katonah also were drawn into the California Crown field. A track spokesperson said trainer Doug O’Neill still had not decided firmly whether to start Katonah.