|
|
Scat Daddy tops Florida Derby Fountain of Youth S. (G2) winner SCAT DADDY (Johannesburg) will seek Gulfstream Park's most important stepping-stone to the Kentucky Derby (G1) when he heads to the starting gate in Saturday's $1 million Florida Derby (G1). The Todd Pletcher-trained colt has been installed as the 5-2 favorite on the morning line for the 1 1/8-mile event, and he'll face eight rivals under new rider Edgar Prado. The dark bay colt will break from post 3. STORMELLO (Stormy Atlantic), who felt short by only a nose to Scat Daddy in the Fountain of Youth, will return to South Florida for the prestigious event. Trained by Bill Currin, the chestnut colt captured the Hollywood Futurity (G1) and Norfolk Breeders' Cup S. (G2) at two. He made his seasonal debut in the Fountain of Youth, leading most of the way before being caught on the wire by the late-running Scat Daddy. Stormello will travel in from California along with the Doug O'Neill-conditioned NOTIONAL (In Excess [Ire]), who has been very impressive this year with victories in the San Rafael S. (G2) and Risen Star S. (G3). Stormello is the 3-1 second choice on the morning line, and Notional comes next at 4-1. Swale S. (G2) hero ADORE THE GOLD (Formal Gold), beaten only a length in fourth in the Fountain of Youth, will return for trainer Mike Gorham. Delta Jackpot S. (G3) hero BIRDBIRDISTHEWORD (Pure Prize), who is conditioned by Kenny McPeek, will attempt to improve upon a fifth in his seasonal debut in the Louisiana Derby (G3). Risen Star runner-up IMAWILDANDCRAZYGUY (Wild Event) exits a fourth in the Louisiana Derby. The Florida Derby also marks the stakes debut for CHELOKEE (Cherokee Run), an impressive allowance winner at the distance last out. The Centennial Farms colorbearer is trained by Michael Matz, who saddled Barbaro to a victory in last year's Florida Derby prior to his Kentucky Derby score. Notional will lead the post parade under Robby Albarado. Next comes Imawildandcrazyguy, Rafael Bejarano, 15-1; Scat Daddy; Adore the Gold, Cornelio Velasquez, 6-1; Stormello, Victor Espinoza; Chelokee, Ramon Dominguez, 8-1; BOOGIE BOGGS (Dixie Union), Joe Bravo, 8-1; JOHANNESBURG STAR (Johannesburg), Rajiv Maragh, 30-1; and Birdbirdistheword, Manoel Cruz, 12-1. Each starter will carry 122 pounds.
 Send this article to a friend
|
|
