This Isn’t Derby Fever …
Trainer Eric Guillot was refreshingly candid during an April 15 teleconference hosted by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, calling his horse “one of the 15 who might not belong,” but saying a trip to the Kentucky Derby … is definitely under consideration for Salute the Sarge.
Guillot further said Salute the Sarge — a fine sprinter who’s won 4 of 7 starts at distances ranging from 5 to 6 1/2 furlongs — could be used as a rabbit, and that he just wants to find out how good his horse is in a route:
“Even though he’s bred to go a mile at best, we had to take the opportunity — especially with the Derby coming up.”
Salute the Sarge has $258,940 in graded earnings, enough for a Derby post, and is expected to start on Saturday in the Lexington Stakes. Should he show up in the Derby, I’ll take no pleasure in tossing this one while handicapping. He’s too good a horse to be ruined by such foolishness.
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