Visionaire to run in Blue Grass

Trainer Michael Matz said Monday morning that VISIONAIRE (Grand Slam), winner of the Gotham S. (G3) on March 8 at Aqueduct, will make his next start in the $750,000 Blue Grass S. (G1) on April 12 at Keeneland. Matz also was considering running the chestnut colt in Saturday's Illinois Derby (G2) at Hawthorne.

"Obviously, I didn't want to face Pyro (Pulpit) and Cool Coal Man (Mineshaft)," said Matz about Visionaire's expected competition in the nine-furlong Blue Grass. "My big worry was having an extra week before the Derby and I won't get that now with going in the Blue Grass, but he won't have to ship up there (to Hawthorne) and back again. He's going to stay here now until he is shipped up to Churchill."

Visionaire is scheduled to work on Keeneland's Polytrack this week. The Blue Grass will be his first start on a synthetic surface. Visionaire finished third to Pyro in the Risen Star S. (G3) prior to his nose victory in the Gotham. The Team Valor and Vision Racing colorbearer has won three of five starts and earned $228,260.