Always Dreaming to kick off new campaign in Gulfstream Park Mile

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Saturday’s Florida Derby card is expected to feature the return of last year’s winner, Always Dreaming, in the $300,000 Gulfstream Park Mile. Trainer Todd Pletcher said he still had to discuss the options with his owners, but felt the Gulfstream Mile was the ideal place to launch the reigning Kentucky Derby champion’s 4-year-old campaign.

“I was satisfied with his breeze on Saturday,” Pletcher said. “There are a lot of reasons why this race makes sense, including his success at Gulfstream and the fact a mile is kind of an ideal distance to start him back. I really like the scenario, and feel great about the way he has filled out and matured from 3 to 4.”

Always Dreaming will likely be facing a very familiar face in the Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Mile: Irish War Cry, who is also expected for the race. Irish War Cry, second behind Economic Model in the Grade 3 Hal’s Hope here last month, finished 10th, beaten 16 lengths by Always Dreaming, in the 2017 Kentucky Derby.