Midnight Interlude Set for Oak Tree Derby

Photo: Cynthia Lum / Eclipse Sportswire

Midnight Interlude, who found a home on turf after finishing well back in both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness last year, is on course for next Saturday’s Grade II Oak Tree Derby at 1 1/8 miles on grass, Bob Baffert said Saturday. Rafael Bejarano has the mount.


“He worked yesterday,” the Hall of Fame trainer said. The 3-year-old son of War Chant went six furlongs on Santa Anita’s main track in 1:13.80.


The bay colt owned by Arnold Zetcher made his first six starts on synthetic or dirt, but won a minor stakes at Hollywood Park in his first turf start on June 17, was fourth despite encountering traffic problems in the Grade II La Jolla Handicap at Del Mar on Aug. 13, then missed by a nose in the Grade II Del Mar Derby on turf Sept. 4.


Other probables for the $150,000 guaranteed Oak Tree Derby include Surrey Star for trainer Jim Cassidy and Thirtyfirststreet for trainer Doug O’Neill.

Read More

Florida Derby: Odds, analysis for Kentucky Derby prep
Saturday’s Grade 1, $1 million Florida Derby is the final of three races on the Gulfstream Park road...
Arkansas Derby fair odds: Whose preparation stands out?
Although there are worse 3-year-old debuts than finishing third in a Grade 2 race, Litmus Test losing by...
HISA annual report shows racing deaths tick up from record low
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority on Tuesday released its 2025 Annual Metrics Report , showing racetracks under...
Fastest maidens: 29 horses crack 100 in a standout week
Last week delivered a strong crop of debut and early-career winners, with 29 horses posting a Horse Racing...
Kentucky Oaks leaderboard: Life of Joy leads changes at the top
Saturday's Grade 2 Fair Grounds Oaks and Bourbonette Oaks at Turfway Park added plenty of new names to...