Awesome Banner gets another shot going long in Tampa Bay Derby

After conferring with the horse’s owner, trainer Stanley Gold has decided to give Awesome Banner one more chance around two turns and will bring him back next Saturday in the Tampa Bay Derby. Awesome Banner tired badly after setting the pace, finishing far behind the undefeated Mohaymen, in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth.

“He came out of the race well,” Gold said. “It didn’t faze him, but the question of whether he’ll go two turns really wasn’t answered in the Fountain of Youth. I’d rather run in the Tampa Bay Derby and find out then, rather than wait for the Florida Derby, which will probably be a tougher race.”

Gold has already committed Fellowship, who has finished third in both the Holy Bull and Fountain of Youth stakes, to the Florida Derby. Awesome Banner and Fellowship are owned by Fred Brei’s Jacks or Better Farm.