NEWSWIRE

Trainer Wayne Lukas said that it’s likely his filly, Surfside, will run in the Kentucky Oaks on May 5 instead of the Kentucky Derby the next day at Churchill Downs.

Surfside finished ahead of only one horse Saturday, running 8 1/2 lengths behind the winner, The Deputy, in the Santa Anita Derby.

“The decision will be made by a few people at Overbrook Farm, and I’ll go along with it,” Lukas said. “I think they’re leaning toward the Oaks.”

Shawnee Country, Overbrook’s winner of the Fair Grounds Oaks, would not run as an entry if Surfside shows up in the Kentucky Oaks.

Lukas, who has won the Kentucky Derby four times--including last year with Charismatic--still has four contenders that will race once before this year’s race.

On Saturday, High Yield runs at Keeneland in the Blue Grass Stakes, Exchange Rate at Aqueduct for the Wood Memorial and True Confidence at Oaklawn Park for the Arkansas Derby. Lukas also plans to run Commendable in the Lexington Stakes at Keeneland on April 22.

The Deputy will be flown to Louisville, Ky., on Wednesday, to start his Kentucky Derby preparation. War Chant, Captain Steve and Anees, who finished 2-3-4 on Saturday, also are headed for the Kentucky Derby.