Finishes Off Dominating Season in Spectacular Style Saffie Joseph Jr. Successfully Defends Training Title HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Irad Ortiz Jr. finished off a remarkably successful Championship Meet at Gulfstream Park in spectacular fashion this weekend, deftly guiding Forte to a victory in Saturday’s $1 million Curlin Florida Derby (G1) presented by Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms at Xalapa that was as gritty as the late-rallying decision was thrilling on an afternoon during which he rode six winners, including four stakes.

2YO Champion Will Remain in Florida Before Heading to Kentucky Video HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable’s Forte, a popular and determined winner of the $1 million Curlin Florida Derby (G1) presented by Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms at Xalapa, will remain in South Florida for now to await his next assignment in the May 6 Kentucky Derby (G1).

Fifth Win on Florida Derby (G1) Program for Irad Ortiz Jr. HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – With a ground-saving stalking trip aboard favorite Steady On, jockey Irad Oritz Jr. earned his fifth victory of the afternoon Saturday at Gulfstream Park in the $150,000 Appleton.

Florida Derby Saturday, April 1, 2023 Hallandale Beach, Florida, USA Gulfstream Park Todd Pletcher Mike Repole Vinnie Viola Irad Oritz Jr. Media Conference

Total Pool Could Swell to More than $5 million Championship Meet Concludes with 11-Race Card Royal Palm Meet Gets Underway Thursday Ortiz Brothers Had a Day HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – The Championship Meet at Gulfstream Park will conclude Sunday with an 11-race program featuring a mandatory payout of the 20-cent Rainbow 6 Pool.

Odds-On Winner Cements Status as Kentucky Derby Favorite HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable’s Forte overcame adversity prevail in Saturday’s $1 million Curlin Florida Derby (G1) presented by Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms at Xalapa at Gulfstream Park in spectacular fashion.

Winning Time: 1:48.51 Winning Margins: 1, 2, 2 Winning Payoff: $2.60 Fractions: :23.57, :46.71, 1:00.63, 1:36.35 Order of finish: Forte, Mage, Cyclone Mischief, Mr. Ripple, Fort Bragg, Il Miracolo, West Coast Cowboy, Jungfrau, Nautical Star, Mr. Peeks, Dubyuhnell, Shaq Diesel.

3YO Filly Earns 100 Qualifying Points for Kentucky Oaks (G1) HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – AMO Racing USA’s Affirmative Lady, put in a steady drive midway around the far turn, powered through the stretch to pass Davona Dale (G2) winner Dorth Vader and pull clear to a two-length victory in Saturday’s $250,000 Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) presented by FanDuel TV.

Edges Dean Delivers Late for First Win in 12 Months HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Chiefswood Stables Limited’s Weyburn, making just his second start in seven months, hooked up with a defiant Dean Delivers in mid-stretch and edged clear in the final sixteenth of a mile to defend his title in Saturday’s $100,000 Sir Shackleton at Gulfstream Park.