Trio of fast colts might dominate Florida Derby

After yielding last year's Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Sovereignty, the $1 million Florida Derby (G1) has the potential of doing so again this season when the 1 1/8-mile Gulfstream Park fixture is renewed on Saturday.

Nine three-year-olds have been entered for the Florida Derby, but most eyes will be on a trio of colts who have turned in some of the fastest prep performances this season. Commandment and Chief Wallabee will face off again after being separated by a neck at the finish of the Fountain of Youth (G2), and will be joined in the lineup by Holy Bull (G3) victor Nearly.

The Brad Cox-trained Commandment rides in on a three-race win streak, while Bill Mott trainee Chief Wallabee will have gotten a lot out of the Fountain of Youth, which was only his second career start. Nearly is in the midst of a three-race win streak of his own and looks to give trainer Todd Pletcher a record-extending ninth Florida Derby success.

If there is a potential upsetter in the field, it would likely be The Puma. Racing for the connections of 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage, The Puma overcame a wide trip to capture the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) three weeks ago for his first win in three starts.

The Florida Derby concludes a stakes-laden 14-race program. It offers Kentucky Derby qualifying points of 100-50-25-15-10 to the respective top five finishers.

Earlier in the card, She Be Smooth will be a likely strong favorite to win the $250,000 Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) over 1 1/16 miles. The Pletcher trainee has dominated two prior starts, beating Prom Queen in their mutual debut in January and My Miss Mo by six lengths in the Feb. 28 Davona Dale (G2).

The respective top five finishers will earn Kentucky Oaks (G1) qualifying points of 100-50-25-15-10.

The Miguel Clement stable will be active on Saturday when a number of its star older runners return to action. Among them are multiple Grade 1 winners Far Bridge, who defends his title in the $225,000 Pan American (G3) over 1 1/2 miles on the turf, and Carson's Run, who runs over a mile on the grass in the $175,000 Appleton S.

Clement also saddles Belleza in the $175,000 Orchid (G3), a 12-furlong grass test for fillies and mares. The Irish-bred scored last season in the Flower Bowl (G2) and Sheepshead Bay (G3) in New York.

Another notable on the undercard, 2025 Wood Memorial (G2) runner-up Grande, returns to stakes company in the $175,000 Ghostzapper (G3) at 1 1/16 miles. The son of Curlin made a winning return to competition on Feb. 14, capturing a one-mile allowance while earning a 103 Brisnet Speed rating.