Ami’s Flatter has one eye on Derby, the other on Plate

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Even if Ami’s Flatter doesn’t make it to the Kentucky Derby, there’s another prestigious race awaiting him.

Second to Carpe Diem last weekend in the Tampa Bay Derby, Ami’s Flatter is an Ontario-bred colt who is eligible for the biggest race in Canada, the Queen’s Plate on July 5. Ami’s Flatter is based at the Palm Meadows training center, a one-hour drive north of Gulfstream Park.

Ami’s Flatter was bred and is owned by Ivan Dalos, a native of Hungary who has become a prominent owner and breeder in Canada under the banner of Tall Oaks Farm. The Kentucky Derby or Queen’s Plate would suit Dalos just fine.

“It’s the dream,” said Dalos, who turns 73 next week. “Everybody wants a Plate horse, a Derby horse, and a Breeders’ Cup horse.”

Ami’s Flatter was 13-1 when he finished five lengths behind Carpe Diem and another 2 1/2 lengths ahead of third-place finisher Divining Rod in the Tampa Bay Derby. Ami’s Flatter was racing on the bleeder medication Lasix and with blinkers for the first time. He earned 20 points toward eligibility to the May 2 Derby, which ties him for ninth in the points standings.

“We wanted him to focus more,” said trainer Josie Carroll. “He got moving when he needed to and made a good run in the stretch.”

Carroll said a firm decision may not be made for another week or so, but she and Dalos are leaning toward running Ami’s Flatter next in the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland, an April 4 race that also will serve as the final Derby prep for Carpe Diem.

“We’ll let him get back into training and see where we are with him,” she said.