Casse tests theory with Mississippi in Florida Derby

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Trainer Mark Casse has a theory he firmly believes in when it comes to horses on the Kentucky Derby trail.

“I’ve always said it doesn’t matter what you do in December, January and February, it’s what you do now that matters most,” said Casse, who is hoping his Mississippi will be the “now” horse when he makes his stakes debut later this week in the $1 million Florida Derby.

Mississippi, who has won once in just four starts, earned a chance to compete in the Grade 1 Florida Derby after completing a series of sharp works with a 49.45 half-mile at Palm Meadows on Sunday.

“His work was really good yesterday,” Casse said on Monday. “I know it’s a tall task, but we believe the rewards are great and far outweigh the risks of running on Saturday.”

Although he’s finished second in entry-level allowance races in both local starts, Mississippi turned in big efforts on each occasion and was defeated by a couple of noteworthy rivals: Louisiana Derby winner Noble Indy on Jan. 11 and fellow Florida Derby candidate Storm Runner less than four weeks later.

“Obviously it didn’t hurt my feelings when (Noble Indy) won the Louisiana Derby,” Casse said. “And I thought I maybe ran him back a little too quickly in his next start. He was a little dull and didn’t train with the same energy right after that race, so I passed on sending him to the Rebel, as originally planned. And I’m glad I did, because he’s training like a different horse now.”

Regular rider Julien Leparoux will be aboard again in the Florida Derby.

A field of nine seems likely when entries are drawn for the 1 1/8-mile Florida Derby on Wednesday. Along with Mississippi, the lineup is expected to include Audible (John Velazquez to ride); Promises Fulfilled (Robby Albarado); Catholic Boy (Irad Ortiz Jr.); Strike Power (Luis Saez); Storm Runner (Tyler Gaffalione); Tip Sheet (Edgard Zayas); Millionaire Runner (Jose Batista); and Speed Franco (no rider).