Deterministic Out of the Kentucky Derby, Clement Confirms

The next race that makes sense would be the $200,000 Peter Pan Stakes. 

After finishing seventh as the favourite in the Wood Memorial (G2) at Aqueduct Racetrack, trainer Christophe Clement, who had stated earlier in the week that Gotham Stakes (G3) winner Deterministic was "unlikely" to run in the Kentucky Derby (G1), officially confirmed that decision on April 21.

"The decision is made not to go for the Derby after speaking with the owners," Clement stated on Sunday. "He had a decent job this morning, we'll keep all the New York options open."

Vicarage Stable, Ken Langone, C. Steven Duncker, and St. Elias Stable are the owners of Deterministic. With 50 qualifying points, the son of Liam's Map was good for 16th place on the Derby rankings.

Grand Mo the First, who most recently placed third in the Florida Derby (G1), now has a chance to enter the race for the first leg of the Triple Crown thanks to the decision to not run Deterministic in the May 4 Run for the Roses.

Regarding Deterministic's plans, the $200,000 Peter Pan Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct, a practice race for the Saratoga Race Course-hosted Belmont Stakes, may be a sensible option.

After Deterministic was back on the work tab for the first time since the Wood Memorial, Clement made his remarks on Sunday. He ran five furlongs in 1:02 3/5 on Sunday morning at Belmont Park with The Shoe Lady.

Clement stated, "He returned safely; he had maintenance work to do." "He looked well."