Time for Truth (Omaha Beach) likely earned himself a spot in the Mar. 30 GI Arkansas Derby with his allowance victory at Oaklawn Park Saturday. Owned by Harry Rosenblum and Cheyenne Stables and trained by Ron Moquett, the colt had to be scratched from last week's GII Rebel S. after suffering a minor shin injury the night before the race.
Making his two-turn debut in Saturday's 1 1/16-mile allowance, Time for Truth showed a new dimension by coming from off the pace to post a 1 1/2-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.”
A debut winner at Oaklawn at the end of December, Time for Truth was second in the six-furlong Ozark S. Feb. 10.
Moquett said he used the Ozark as a bridge to the Rebel after Oaklawn lost 11 days of training (Jan. 13-23) to winter weather.
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.”
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