Litmus Test To Stay Oaklawn, Contest Arkansas Derby For Baffert

[Wandering Eyes]

Last Sunday's GII Rebel Stakes third-place finisher Litmus Test (Nyquist) will stay in Hot Springs to contest the GI Arkansas Derby March 28 for trainer Bob Baffert.

Speaking of his Arkansas runners from last weekend, Baffert said that while his GIII Honeybee Stakes winner Explora (Blame) had shipped back to California, Litmus Test would remain at Oaklawn through the end of the month.

“I didn't want to bring him all the way back here and ship him back,” Baffert said. “He's there. I want to give him another chance. I didn't want to run here (Santa Anita). I've got other horses for here. Just splitting them up.”

Litmus Test, who went off favored in the Rebel, weakened from the lead to finish third 5 1/4 lengths behind Class President (Uncle Mo) in his first start since winning the GII Los Alamitos Futurity Dec. 13. He currently sits eighth on Kentucky Derby leaderboard with 34 points.

Of Explora, Baffert mentioned a potential next start in the GII Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn March 27.

“I'm just going to see how she responds out of that race,” Baffert said. “She'll definitely be nominated to the Fantasy. I'll have something in the Fantasy.”

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