Eight Belles Possible Derby Contender

Eight Belles may run in both the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. (AP Images)

Eight Belles has two appointments in Kentucky, but she’ll only be able to make one. The question is, will she run in the Kentucky Oaks where she is considered a frontrunner, or will she gamble for glory in the Kentucky Derby?

Unbeaten in four starts this year, Eight Belles began 2008 by blowing away the field at the Fair Grounds in January and again in the Martha Washington Stakes at Oaklawn Park in February. In March, she galloped to an easy win at the Honeybee at Oaklawn Park. Proving she can also run down the competition, Eight Belles overcame a speedy and determined Alina to win the Fantasy at Oaklawn Park on April 6. But since she’s untested against colts, questions remain if this Larry Jones-trained filly have a chance in the Derby?

Owner Rick Porter thinks so. “Based on her talent, her ability, and her versatility, we think she belongs and can compete with colts at the very top end. We wouldn’t run her if we didn’t think we could win (the Derby).”

Porter plans to enter the three-year-old daughter of Unbridled’s Song into both the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby. Then he’ll hedge his bets till the Derby post position draw on April 30 and hope for a favorable berth. That, combined with how well Eight Belles’ training has progressed, will determine which race she’ll run.

"The only negative is she doesn't break sharply from the gate, and if she got an outside post in the Derby that wouldn't help us," Porter said. "Then we'd have the option of running in the Oaks, but I think she can run with the boys."

For bettors, this is an intriguing new development in a field in which some of the early favorites – specifically War Pass and Pyro – have stumbled in their last prep races before the Kentucky Derby. Should Porter and Jones decide the Derby is the right race for her, Eight Belles could be worth a look.

Bet on the Kentucky Derby at Bodog Racebook!