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| Dialed In wins Florida Derby 4/3/11 Photo: Horsephotos.com |
Summary:
General consensus was the Florida Derby offered the most loaded field of all Kentucky Derby preps so far. General consensus seems to suggest it did not live up to expectations. Yet, peel back the layers and there was more to the outcome than unimpressive splits and dissapointing results by highly touted Derby contenders. 68-to-1 shot Shackleford finished second, and his ability to almost steal the race on the lead combined with his unappreciated past performances were the main reasons some were calling the race a sham. However, dissecting his prior race (with some of the same foes) shows he had excuses: worst post, bad break, raced wide. He redeemed himself on Sunday by holding off most of a stellar field. For a horse that showed promise early in the year, he may be peaking at the right time. Hopefully he has enough earnings to make the Kentucky Derby gate.
As for the winner, the final time may suggest otherwise, but flip the coin over and you have an impressive closer who did what no other horse was able to do at Gulfstream Sunday: pass all others from starting far off the pace. As we’ve seen in some recent Kentucky Derbies, that style can be an advantage where the pace is usually strong. Nick Zito was emotional and as someone who circles the first Saturday of May on the calendar bigger than anyone else, it’s nice to see the trainer have yet another shot. Soldat and To Honor And Serve, the latter who Garret Gomez stated he could have given a better trip, will most likely move on to the Derby with lighter bandwagons// Travelin Man was a clear winner in the undercard Swale Stakes. Todd Petcher indicated they'll stretch him out in the Cliff's Edge Derby Trial, which means no Derby Fever// Uncle Mo worked a quick 4 furlongs in 48.20 today in preparation for Saturday’s Wood Memorial. Pletcher called it “perfect” and also sent out Kentucky Derby contender Brethren who worked the fastest of all others at 5 furlongs// Speaking of Uncle Mo, he closed as the 3-1 favorite in the Kentucky Derby Future Pool. Dialed In went all the way down to 5-1, which is probably close to what you’ll get on Derby Day// Wilburn, a popular recent maiden winner from Santa Anita, didn’t like dirt in his face from his allowance test and finished off the board// more…
Results:
Uncle Sam wins SA Allowance: chart
Futures:
Articles:
· Dialed wins Florida Derby (NY Times) (Bloodhorse) (DRF) (TTimes) (Brisnet) (Miami Herald) (AP) (Courier Journal) (Lexington Herald Leader)
· Travelin Man wins Swale Stakes (Bloodhorse) (Brisnet) (Courier Journal) (DRF) (TTimes)
· Uncle Mo the favorite in KDFW Pool #3 (Brisnet) (Miami Herald) (Bloodhorse)
· Kentucky Derby Trail: Man in Motion (Bloodhorse Blog)
Works:
· Toby's Corner: FH- 6F- 1.15:40- B- 3/3
· Cal Nation: PMM- 4F- 49:30- B- 10/36
· Uncle Mo: PMM- 4F- 48:20- B- 2/36
· Dance City: PMM- 4F- 49:40- B- 6/20
· Cool Blue Red Hot: PMM- 4F- 49:30- B- 10/36
· Rattlesnake Bridge: PMM- 5F- 1:01.20- B- 4/22
· Brethren: PMM- 5F- 59:90- B- 1/22
