By Robert Yates – Oaklawn Park
HOT SPRINGS, Ark.— Lightly raced Time for Truth is under strong consideration for the Arkansas Derby following his entry-level allowance victory at 1 1/16 miles Saturday, trainer Ron Moquett said Sunday morning.
The $1.5 million G1-Arkansas Derby March 30 would mark Time for Truth’s first Kentucky Derby points race and fourth start overall.
Making his two-turn debut – delayed a week because of a minor leg issue – Time for Truth showed a new dimension by coming from off the pace to post a 1 ½-length victory under regular rider Rafael Bejarano.
“I was (pleased), knowing where we’re at with the horse, knowing he missed some training,” Moquett said. “We didn’t come to the race exactly like we had wanted to, considering we really did have a bump on our shin. So, I’m pleased with the horse.”
Time for Truth was entered in the $1.25 million G2-Rebel Stakes Feb. 24 at Oaklawn, but he was scratched after suffering a minor shin injury on the eve of the race and rerouted to the allowance spot that featured fellow Triple Crown nominees Awesome Road and Ethan Energy for trainer Brad Cox.
The 2-1 favorite in the eight-horse field, Time for Truth stalked front-running Googol Joke from the start and struck the front on the outside late on the second turn. He opened a three-length advantage in midstretch and held Willy D’s safe in the final 100 yards. The winning time over a fast track was 1:45.88.
“He did very well, as far as listening to the jockey,” Moquett said. “He’s a very intelligent horse.”
Time for Truth is from the first crop of millionaire Omaha Beach, who won the second division of the $750,000 G2-Rebel and $1 million G1-Arkansas Derby in 2019. Time for Truth became the first Oaklawn winner for Omaha Beach with a front-running 1 ¾-length debut score going six furlongs furlongs Dec. 31.
Time for Truth tackled stakes company in his next start and finished second to Valentine Candy in the six-furlong $150,000 Ozark Feb. 10. Time for Truth, the betting favorite, was beaten 2 ½ lengths after leading to midstretch.
Moquett used the Ozark as a bridge to the Rebel after Oaklawn lost 11 days of training (Jan. 13-23) to winter weather. Plan A, Moquett said, was a one-mile allowance Jan. 28, a split race that spawned five Rebel entrants (Northern Flame, Tejon Pass, Next Level, Mena and Woodcourt).
Time for Truth was 15-1 on the morning line for the Rebel. He was 5-2 Saturday.
“It was a good race for him,” said Bejarano, who rode three consecutive winners to close Saturday’s card. “I’m glad he got scratched the last time because it was a tough race. But I think this race will prepare him for the big race next time. It’s the first time going two turns. I had a beautiful trip. Hopefully, the horse came back good and we can get ready for next time.”
Time for Truth races for Arkansan Harry Rosenblum and Oklahoman Everett Dobson
