3 minute read
And it's Florida Derby day in the US
Gulfstream Park is one of the main centres of interest with racing being held here too without public.
While the deferment of the Kentucky Oaks and Derby raises questions regarding how important the former lead-up races will be, we are presuming that the horses that have been prepped for this card will still be competive.
The Hal's Hope is G3 for 4y+ over 1800m and has a field of 10. Todd Pletcher has a strong record at Gulfstream and saddles both American Tattoo 3/1 and You're to Blame 7/2. There will need to be a new jockey for American Tattoo as his original jockey Javier Castellano has tested positive to Covid-19. Also here good to see Harvey Wallbanger 4/1 in the line up – we met him in Korea last year where he didn't have the best of luck but this should suit.
The Gulfstream Park Oaks is over 1700m and has 12 runners with two emergencies. Tonalist's Shape is trying for a rare title here going for a third win in the Gulfstream Park 3yo fillies races. She would become only the second filly to do this. She,s 5/2, Spice is Nice 3/1 and Lake Avenue 9/2.
The Kitten's Joy Pan American Gr 2 is over 2400m on turf and has a field off 10. Zulu Alpha is in great form and is odds on to win this for Maker-Gaffalone. Channel Cat has some questions over being able to finish off races but is 9/2 here for Pletcher-Rosario, and Focus Group is 8/1 for Clement-Saez.
The Appleton Gr 3 is also on turf over 1600m and has 12 runners and 4 emergencies. Pletcher saddles Morning Line favourite Sombeyay on 7/2, with El Tormento on 9/2 and Ballagh Rocks 6/1.
The Curlin Florida Derby is over 1800m with 12 starters and 1 emergency. Tiz The Law hasn't had the smoothest of preps but is still 6/5 favourite here. Ete Indien was second to Tiz The Law in the Holy Bull and is on 4/1. Independence Hall has been ticking lots of boxrs and is on 9/2, but we are going wider here with Gouveneur Morris on 8/1 for Pletcher-Velazquez.
And that's about it or Saturday – Santa Anita has cancelled and it's snowing in Denver, which latter statement has absolutely nothing to do with racing.