Contender Status
Eight Belles is undefeated this year in four starts, working her way up from an allowance win to her most recent victory in the the Fantasy Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park.
She has been pointing for the Kentucky Oaks (G1) on May 2 at Churchill Downs, but her connections are now considering challenging males in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1).
"I'm conservative by nature and I've always believed in running fillies against fillies," trainer Larry Jones said. "But Eight Belles is something special, and her owner [Rick Porter] really would like to see her in the Derby.
"Right now, the plan is to give her a work over the Churchill strip, and then make a decision. I guess I better be prepared for a media circus if she goes to the Derby. If not, no one will know she's around."
April 27 - Five furlongs breezing in :58.20 at Churchill Downs, track fast. Second best of 62 workouts at the distance.
April 20 - Four furlongs handily in :46.60 at Keeneland Race Course, all-weather track fast. Second best of 39 workouts at the distance.
Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) on May 3 at Churchill Downs
Trainer Larry Jones, who sais he would enter Eight Belles in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) as a precaution:
"We're going in the Derby unless we get a sign from God."