30 Years Later: ‘I Knew, ‘Oh Man, He’s Gonna Run Today’
HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Though it will be 30 years this month, Mike Smith recalls the 1994 Florida Derby (G1) like it was yesterday, as well he should. His mount, Holy Bull, dispatched at no better than third choice in a full field of 14, made quick of work of his rivals en route to a performance for the ages.
Thursday’s Rainbow 6 Pool Estimated at $750,000
Knightsbridge Makes Long-Awaited 3YO Debut Thursday
Mandatory Rainbow 6 Payout Slated for Sunday
HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Repole Stable’s Fierceness, the 2023 2-year-old male champion who finished third in the Feb. 3 Holy Bull (G3), schooled in the paddock and walking ring Wednesday at Gulfstream Park in preparation for a return in Saturday’s $1 million Curlin Florida Derby (G1) presented by Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms at Xalapa.
Gun Song Steps Up, Stretches Out for G2 Gulfstream Park Oaks
Track Record-Holder Quality G Returns in $150,000 Appleton
HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. enjoyed a career highlight two years ago when he saddled White Abarrio for a victory in the $1 million Curlin Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park – an achievement that remains a vivid memory.
Pletcher on Quest to Saddle Record-Extending 8th Florida Derby Winner
Undefeated Holy Bull Hero Hades, Conquest Warrior Imposing Rivals
Pool Guarantees: Late Pick 4 ($1 million), Late Pick 5 ($750,000)
HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Repole Stable’s Fierceness will seek a return to championship form in the $1 million Curlin Florida Derby (G1) presented by Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms at Xalapa Saturday at Gulfstream Park following a disappointing 2024 debut in the Feb. 3 Holy Bull (G3).
HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Amerman Racing LLC’s Tumbarumba and Carrie Brogden, Michael Iavarone and Julia Iavarone’s Steal Sunshine will continue a heated Championship Meet rivalry in Saturday’s $150,000 Ghostzapper (G3) at Gulfstream Park.
First of Five Graded-Stakes on Saturday’s G1 Florida Derby Program
HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Nice Guys Stables’ Starting Over, exiting a career-best performance to earn graded-stakes credentials, looks to make it two in a row as one of three Mike Maker-trained entrants in Saturday’s $200,000 Pan American (G2) presented by Rood & Riddle at Gulfstream Park.
Among 10 Stakes, Five Graded, on G1 Florida Derby Program
HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Repole Stable’s Surprisingly, beaten a neck when second in the Pegasus Filly & Mare Turf Invitational (G2) in January, will get some added distance as she chases a second career graded-stakes triumph in Saturday’s $150,000 Orchid (G3) at Gulfstream Park.
20-Year-Old Trainer Saddles Fountain of Youth (G2) Runner-Up
HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Eniel Cordero can’t believe it himself.
Just nine months after coming to the U.S. from his native Puerto Rico, and at 20 years old – yes, 20, - Cordero is preparing to saddle Vicente Stella’s Le Dom Bro in Saturday’s $1 million Curlin Florida Derby (G1) presented by Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms at Xalapa at Gulfstream Park.
Fierceness, Hades Clash Anchors Late Pick 4, Late Pick 5, Rainbow 6
Guaranteed Pools: Late Pick 4 - $1 million; Late Pick 5 - $750,000
HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – The $1 million Curlin Florida Derby (G1) presented by Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms at Xalapa will feature a rematch between 2023 2-year-old champion Fierceness and undefeated Hades to close out a stellar afternoon of Thoroughbred racing Saturday at Gulfstream Park.