Meridian Drafting
Simplification came out as the main candidate to win the Florida Derby, the one trained by the Venezuelan Antonio Sano will have a tough test ahead of the Kentucky Derby.
Antonio Sano’s man lost the Holy Bull Stakes to White Abarrio by four and a half lengths, the latter starting as the second favorite in early betting.
White Abarrio had a fever last week, that was a bump in his coach’s plan for this race.
“It just seems like things never go your way,” Joseph said. “They threw us a curveball.” White Abarrio recovered quickly to work Tuesday. “We expect him to show up for the race. If he does, he’s as good as any of the horses. Tyler Gaffalione retains the mount.
The Classic Causeway also sticks to a well-charted path into Kentucky. He won the last one very well, the Tampa Bay Derby, and with Irad Ortiz Jr. riding, he cannot be ruled out.
The Florida Derby has served as a springboard to future Kentucky Derby glory for a record 24 foals.
In fact, six horses since the turn of the century have won both the Florida Derby and the Kentucky Derby: Monarchos (2001), Barbaro (2006), Big Brown (2008), Orb (2013), Nyquist (2016), and Always Dreaming. (2017). Other notable horses among the 15 horses that swept the two races include Northern Dancer (1964) and Spectacular Bid (1979).