Trainer Desormeaux Weighs Options for Confidence Game

Upcoming race plans have not been finalized for Don't Tell Me Wife Stables' Rebel Stakes (G2) winner Confidence Game , save one: his next race is scheduled to come in Kentucky.

It is the race itself that's up in the air, trainer Keith Desormeaux told Kentucky Horseman's Benevolent and Protective Association publicist Jennie Rees at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. The trainer said the Candy Ride   colt could race in Keeneland's April 8 Blue Grass Stakes (G1) or April 15 Lexington Stakes (G3), or await the May 6 Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs.

With 57 existing qualifying points for the Derby, which Churchill Downs officials use as a preference system when the Derby overfills beyond 20 entries, Confidence Game seems safely in the race from that perspective. So Desormeaux need only do what he feels will suit his 3-year-old's readiness for the spring classics.

"The horse has got a great foundation—seven starts, five route races—just not convinced he needs another race," he said. "I think I have a legit not only Derby contender but a Triple Crown contender. So I'm thinking past the Derby. I want to keep him fresh for all three races. And that's what's going into the decision."

Desormeaux has run three horses in the Kentucky Derby, with his best finish being a second in 2016 from Exaggerator , who would win the Preakness Stakes (G1) two weeks later.