CHC Inc. and WinStar Farm's John Hancock (Constitution), winner of last weekend's Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa, is unlikely to return for the oval's GIII Lambholm Tampa Bay Derby on Mar. 8, trainer Brad Cox told DRF Sunday.
Cox, who indicated that the 8 1/2-furlong race comes up a bit too quickly following the sophomore's latest win, indicated a bevy of options remain, including the Mar. 22 GII Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby, the GI Arkansas Derby or the GI Curlin Florida Derby on Mar. 29. On Apr. 5, the GI Toyota Blue Grass Stakes and GII Wood Memorial are also both options.
The late-starting colt won his career debut, a six-furlong test at Tampa Jan. 8, by three lengths prior to his latest score.
Finishing a half-length behind John Hancock last weekend, Owen Almighty (Speightstown) is expected to cut back in distance in his next start, Brian Lynch told DRF.
According to the trainer, a tilt at the Apr. 4 Lafayette Stakes at Keeneland prior to the GII Pat Day Mile at Churchill Downs on the Kentucky Derby undercard appears to be the most logical route for the Flying Dutchmen runner.
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