Gulfstream Park adjustment to its 2010 stakes schedule.

Affected by the changes are the dates of the Florida Derby and Fountain of Youth Stakes, and the layering of stakes races on Saturdays, especially the first Saturday of the meeting, when the five stakes carded compose the inaugural Gulfstream Sprint Showcase. Opening day to Gulfstream Park’s 79-day meeting is Sunday, Jan. 3.  “The name of the game is handle,” said Gulfstream Park’s Racing Operations Manager Bernie Hettel. “We believe that the adjustments are for the good of the fans as well as good for the horsemen, and ultimately good for the industry.” The $750,000, Grade 1 Florida Derby, originally carded for Saturday, March 27, will be run March 20, and the Fountain of Youth will be run February 20.  The nation’s leading barometer for success in the Kentucky Derby and all the Triple Crown races – with 21 Kentucky Derby winners coming out of the race – the Florida Derby will be run six weeks prior to the Run for the Roses. “Gulfstream Park’s well-diversified racing program is universally well known, but the accent, for the owners, trainers and jockeys as well as the racing public, has always been on the development of 3-year-olds as they prepare for the Triple Crown,” said Gulfstream Park President and General Manager Ken Dunn. “Fixing the date of the Florida Derby six weeks ahead of the Kentucky Derby puts the Florida Derby front and center in the consciousness of the American racing public.” Another major move in the realignment was turning the first Saturday of the meet, Jan. 9, into a blockbuster day of sprint stakes composed of the Spectacular Bid for 3-year-olds; Mr. Prospector for older horses; the Old Hat for 3-year-old fillies; the Sugar Swirl (formerly the First Lady) for older fillies and mares, and a new stakes named The Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint. The first four named above carry a $100,000 purse and will be run at six furlongs; the Turf Sprint will be valued at $75,000 and will be run at five furlongs. 2010 Stakes Schedule