The Truth Or Else Adds Blinkers for AR Derby
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The Truth Or Else will add blinkers for the $1 million Arkansas Derby (gr. I) April 11 at Oaklawn Park, trainer Kenny McPeek said after the colt's bullet workout at the Arkansas oval April 1.
Under jockey Calvin Borel, the Yes It's True colt covered five furlongs in :58 4/5, the quickest of 27 moves recorded at that distance.
In his second breeze with blinkers, The Truth Or Else broke approximately eight lengths behind stablemate Fracula. He easily collared his work partner on the outside in midstretch and drew away at the finish. Following splits of :11 4/5, :23 1/5, and :35 4/5, he galloped out six furlongs in 1:11 4/5.
McPeek said the colt, who last raced to a fourth-place finish in the Rebel Stakes (gr. II) March 14, went a little faster than he wanted.
"He broke off a little bit far behind (Fracula)," McPeek said. "He was supposed to be about two or three lengths back and ended up eight or 10. But he still outran him, so, I mean, it was a pretty impressive breeze, other than I probably wanted to go closer to 1:00. But this is a good problem to have."
After finishing second to Far Right in the Feb. 22 Southwest Stakes (gr. III) by three-quarters of a length, The Truth Or Else was beaten 10 lengths by front-running American Pharoah when finishing fourth in the Rebel. McPeek said he wants the colt owned by Harold Lerner to be more forwardly-placed in the Arkansas Derby, which is scheduled to include American Pharoah again.
"He just got too far back the last time," McPeek said of adding blinkers. "We've got to find another gear—another level with our horse. I do think this will help him be more focused. He needs to get himself up in the game the first half mile next week."