by Jeff Lowe

Trainer Todd Pletcher will make the call on whether Coolmore Lexington Stakes (G2) winner Behindatthebar proceeds to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1), according to majority owner Satish Sanan.

Initially after the Lexington on April 19, Pletcher and Sanan said they were more likely to focus on the Preakness Stakes (G1) on May 17, particularly since the Derby would be his third start in 30 days. 

Pletcher began considering the Derby more seriously early this week.

“Todd won’t make up his mind,” Sanan said on Friday. “Right after the race we didn’t think we would go [to the Derby] because it was too short on time. He said the horse has a lot of energy and is doing real good, so he wants to work the horse and then make the call.”

Sanan’s Padua Stables races Behindatthebar in partnership with Donald Stanley and Michael Shustek. The Forest Wildcat colt won a 1 1/16-mile allowance race on April 3 at Santa Anita Park before shipping to Keeneland Race Course for the Lexington.

Padua also was the majority owner of 2004 Lexington winner Quintons Gold Rush, who finished last in the Derby.

“If it was a very strong field for the Derby, we would probably stay with our plan,” Sanan said. “It’s a weak Derby. Apart from one or two horses, I think all the others are outsiders, including us. I think anyone can win, so we will only run if Todd says the horse is doing real good and we should take a shot.”

Pletcher also has Monba and Cowboy Cal, the top two finishers in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1), on course for the Derby. All three are stabled at Keeneland.

Jeff Lowe is a Thoroughbred Times staff writer