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Far Right, Mr. Z could rematch in Southwest Trainer Ron Moquett said Far Right (Notional) will return to the track Friday morning at Oaklawn Park in preparation for his next start, either the $300,000 Southwest S. (G3) on February 16 or the $750,000 Rebel S. (G2) on March 14. Far Right earned a 92 BRIS Speed rating for his 1 3/4-length victory over Bayerd (Speightstown) in Monday's Smarty Jones S. going a mile at the Hot Springs, Arkansas, venue. Moquett said Thursday morning that he's "real happy" with how Far Right came out of the Smarty Jones, but wants to monitor his progress before committing to his next start. "I'll let the horse tell me when he wants to run," Moquett stated. "I want to get to the big race, but I want to get there with a fresh, healthy, happy horse." The Rebel is the final major local prep for the $1 million Arkansas Derby (G1) on April 11. The Arkansas Derby falls three weeks before the Kentucky Derby (G1). Far Right entered the Smarty Jones off a troubled third-place finish in the Delta Downs Jackpot (G3) on November 22, but received a ground-saving ride in the Smarty Jones from Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, who was aboard the chestnut colt for the first time. "I thought he should have won the last one," Moquett said in reference to the Delta Jackpot. "I was confident that if he got a good trip, he would give a good account of himself. My biggest concern was the race might be too short." Moquett said Smith will again have the mount for Far Right's next start, whether it's the Southwest or Rebel. Both races are 1 1/16 miles. If Moquett picks the Southwest for Far Right's next outing, the colt will likely go up against some familiar foes, including Mr. Z (Malibu Moon). Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas said Thursday morning that his sophomore charge, who finished an eventful third in the Smarty Jones, is expected to go in the Southwest. Mr. Z opened a clear lead turning for home in the Smarty Jones, but veered out suddenly to the middle of the track after being hit left-handed by Jon Court. After straightening up, Mr. Z ran on to finish behind Far Right and Bayerd, beaten 2 1/4 lengths as the even-money favorite. "He's fine," Lukas said. "If Jon would have not hit him, I think, and just hand rode him, he might have won by five or six (lengths). He knifed him left-handed. He won't take that." Lukas said he prefers Court ride the colt in the Southwest, but added owner Ahmed Zayat will have input on the decision. "I would guess that would be my vote," Lukas said of Court. "He knows you can't do certain things. He was absolutely going to waltz home." Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com
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