2010 Florida Derby runner-up Pleasant Prince resumes training

Pleasant Prince, who was beaten a nose by Ice Box in the 2010 Florida Derby, breezed a slow half-mile under wraps in 52 seconds here Wednesday. The work was just the second on the comeback trail for Pleasant Prince, who has not started since finishing ninth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

Pleasant Prince went on to win the Grade 3 Ohio Derby as well as the Oklahoma Derby following his heartbreaking setback in the Florida Derby. Trainer Wesley Ward said Pleasant Prince would continue to train locally for the next month before shipping north to either Churchill Downs or Belmont Park later this spring.

Jara relocates from New York

Tito Fuentes, who handled engagements for jockey Eibar Coa up until the time of his accident here last month, has been hired by Fernando Jara, who returned locally last week. Jara, who rode in New York this winter, recorded one of the most noteworthy victories of his career at Gulfstream Park in the 2007 Donn aboard Invasor.

Fuentes said Jara will remain in south Florida and ride regularly at Calder following the conclusion of the Gulfstream meeting on April 24.

◗ Gulfstream Park will play host to the women’s handicapping and Florida Derby preview party on Friday from 2 to 7 p.m. in the presidential suite on the third floor of the clubhouse. Females of all ages and level of racing knowledge are welcome. Among the guest speakers will be Louisville Journal racing writer Jennie Rees and Mike Penna, president of the Horse Racing Radio Network.

◗ Alex Brown, author of the recently released “Greatness and Goodness, Barbaro and His Legacy,” will be here Saturday to sign copies of his book. Brown will appear at both the Breakfast at Gulfstream program from 7 to 10 a.m. and again from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the north entrance.