Gulfstream Park
Ben Ali may be next for General a Rod
Barbara D. Livingston General a Rod could be headed to Keeneland for the Ben Ali Stakes on April 11.
Trainer Todd Pletcher had a big day last Saturday at Tampa Bay Downs, where he won not only the main event, the Tampa Bay Derby, with Carpe Diem, but also sent out General a Rod to register an impressive 6 3/4-length victory in the Challenger Stakes. General a Rod, who was transferred to Pletcher’s barn one month earlier, was one of only two horses to compete in all three legs of the 2014 Triple Crown. He earned a career-best 104 Beyer Speed Figure in the Challenger.
“I thought he ran a great race,” said Pletcher. “And it was nice to see him get back to the winner’s circle again.”
Pletcher said the Grade 3 Ben Ali at Keeneland on April 11 could be next for General a Rod.