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ROAD TO THE TRIPLE CROWN APRIL 6, 2005 by James Scully Nick Zito has left Florida, but not before enjoying the best Gulfstream Park meeting of his life. He went out with a bang, finishing one-two with HIGH FLY (Atticus) and NOBLE CAUSEWAY (Giant's Causeway) in the Florida Derby (G1) to break an 0-for-16 slump in Gulfstream's centerpiece event. The 57-year-old New Yorker also saddled three-year-olds SUN KING (Charismatic) and BELLAMY ROAD (Concerto) to impressive victories during the meet, and he's five-deep for the May 7 Kentucky Derby (G1). We'll hear a lot more from the colorful conditioner in the weeks ahead. High Fly, who became only the fourth three-year-old to capture three stakes during the winter meet, tracked in second while pacesetter B.B. BEST (Yes It's True) set uncontested fractions over the speed-favoring track Saturday. High Fly made the lead impressively, offering a quick turn of foot to overhaul the pacesetter in upper stretch and draw away. He easily held Noble Causeway at bay for a 1 1/2-length decision, earning a terrific 108 BRIS Speed rating. High Fly is a top Kentucky Derby contender based on Speed figures (105, 105 and 106 from his first three starts this year) and has no trouble getting 1 1/8 miles. Ten furlongs will be more difficult and he's never raced outside of Florida. The chestnut colt must also overcome a five-week layoff. Fresh horses don't win the Run for the Roses, but Zito scoffs at recent Kentucky Derby history. "Maybe these are the horses that will show people that you can win the Derby off a five-week layoff," Zito said. He can afford to take chances with Sun King in his stable. The Florida Derby is poorly situated on the calendar. Nobody shipped in for this year's race due to strangles, but Gulfstream faces a difficult task convincing trainers that five weeks before the Kentucky Derby is the best time for a $1 million race. There's still the opportunity for another race (Charismatic ran twice in four weeks before winning the 1999 Kentucky Derby), but Magna officials moved the date to serve as a launching pad to the Kentucky Derby. That leaves trainers to decide whether to race once more or train up to the the Kentucky Derby. It's a much easier decision if the Florida Derby is held either 3-4 or 7-8 weeks prior to the Kentucky Derby. Magna must have been completely unaware that no horse had captured the Kentucky Derby off a five-week hiatus in the last 45 years. Zito said he plans on training both High Fly and Noble Causeway up to the Kentucky Derby, and that makes sense with a three-time stakes winner. However, Noble Causeway could probably use another prep. The February maiden winner lacks foundation, making his stakes bow last Saturday, and the top two finishers basically outclassed seven overmatched rivals in the Florida Derby. Noble Causeway does own commendable Speed figures, and the future is very bright for the late-blooming colt. "You'll hear from him in the future," jockey Edgar Prado said of the $1.15 million yearling. "Nick has done a super job with him. I'm very proud of him." The April 23 Lexington S. (G2) seems like an attractive option, but Noble Causeway merits serious respect for the Kentucky Derby regardless. He owns a better pedigree than his winning stablemate and could come a long way in the next five weeks. THOR'S ECHO (Swiss Yodeler) proved extremely game in Saturday's $500,000 WinStar Derby, battling back after being passed by favorite Southern Africa (Cape Town) to retake the lead in the stretch and record his first stakes win. After capturing his second career start in January versus fellow California-breds, the gelding was sold and transferred to trainer Doug O'Neill, who showed why he's the hottest conditioner on the West Coast. Thor's Echo made his next start in the $100,000 Borderland Derby, finishing second, and then netted a $270,000 payday for his new connections at Sunland Park on Saturday. Thor's Echo received a 96 Speed rating for the 1 1/8-mile test and could be headed to another rich event, the $250,000 Snow Chief S. for Cal-breds at Santa Anita on April 24. His owners can make a lot of money with the gelding by picking the right spots, but that's easier said than done. The Santa Anita Derby (G1), Wood Memorial (G1) and Illinois Derby (G2) are all on tap this Saturday, and the next two weekends should really be exciting.
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