Whether Southwest Stakes (G3) winner Speed King runs in Oaklawn Park's next Kentucky Derby (G1) prep race, the $1.25 million Rebel Stakes (G2) Feb. 22, is still undecided.
Ron Moquett, who trains the colt for Triton Thoroughbreds, said on the first episode of the BloodHorse Monday podcast Feb. 3 that the race is under consideration, but ultimately the goal is the $1.5 million Arkansas Derby (G1) March 29.
BloodHorse Monday is a new, hour-long podcast hosted by BloodHorse in partnership with Louisville, Ky.-based radio host Louie Rabaut. The weekly show is co-hosted by BloodHorse assistant news editor Sean Collins and will regularly feature editorial director Frank Angst and other BloodHorse Staff.
BloodHorse Monday Podcast Launches Feb. 3
Moquett told Collins during the podcast that the son of Volatile will likely record his first official workout since his Jan. 25 victory this weekend, Feb. 8-9. That work, two weeks before the Rebel, will likely play a large role in his decision.
"To use a cliche, we're going to let the horse tell us," Moquett said. "Our goal, ultimately, is the Arkansas Derby. I want to win that race at my home track. Whatever gets us to the Arkansas Derby the best—and in the best position to win it—is what we're going to do. If that means going to the Rebel, then we're going to do that. But he has to tell us and we have to listen."
The 12-minute interview with Moquett also featured his reactions to Speed King's Southwest victory, the adversity the colt overcame in his training schedule, his relationship with owner Ted Bowman, and more.
"Our job is to listen to the horse and do what's right," Moquett said. "He'll tell us, and if it's meant for us to be in the (Kentucky) Derby and perform well, we will."
The podcast is available on BloodHorse's YouTube channel and BloodHorse.com, as well as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, ESPN Louisville+ and espnlouisville.com. The show also airs in Louisville on ESPN 680/105.7, as well as other stations throughout the country.
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