Roman Centurian to Scratch from Santa Anita Derby
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Photo: Benoit Photo
Roman Centurian breaks his maiden at Santa Anita Park
Roman Centurian , runner-up in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3) and fourth last out in the March 6 San Felipe Stakes (G2), will scratch from the April 3 Runhappy Santa Anita Derby (G1) at Santa Anita Park, trainer Simon Callaghan confirmed April 2.
The 3-year-old son of Empire Maker was to undergo precautionary bloodwork after his connections noticed his energy level seemed reduced Friday morning.
"This morning we noticed that Roman Centurian was not his usual self, and his energy level was a little lacking for him," Callaghan said via text Friday afternoon. "We will be running some tests, including some blood work to make sure all is ok, and therefore we will scratch from tomorrow's Santa Anita Derby.
"If all shows to be good with him, then there is every chance we will ship to either the Arkansas Derby (G1) or the (Stonestreet) Lexington Stakes (G3)."
The Arkansas Derby is slated for April 10 at Oaklawn Park, while the Lexington Stakes will be held the same day at Keeneland.
Bred in Kentucky by Don Alberto Corporation out of the Bernardini mare Spare Change, Roman Centurian races for Don Alberto Stable and Qatar Racing Limited. The colt broke his maiden by 3 3/4 lengths Jan. 3 going 1 1/16 miles at Santa Anita with a strong rally at second asking, then stepped onto the Road to the Kentucky Derby.