Dialed In runs down 60-1 Shackleford in Florida Derby

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Trainer Nick Zito and owner Robert LaPenta made it back-to-back victories in the Florida Derby when Dialed In, under Julien Leparoux, rallied from last to nip 60-1 pacesetter Shackleford by a short head. It was 6 3/4 lengths back To Honor and Serve in third.

He was followed in the order of finish by Flashpoint, Soldat, Arch Traveler, Stay Thirsty, and Bowman’s Causeway.

Zito and LaPenta won the Florida Derby last year with Ice Box, who finished second in the Kentucky Derby

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Dialed In, a son of Mineshaft, is now 3 for 4 and will likely head to Louisville with one of the top four choices for the May 7 Kentucky Derby.

Shackleford, who finished fifth in the Fountain of Youth, looked like he was going to steal the race under Jesus Castanon despite setting rapid early fractions of 23.30 seconds, 46.35, and 1:10.63 for six furlongs.

To Honor and Serve pressed Shackleford from the inside, then was guided to the outside by Garrett Gomez. To Honor and Serve couldn’t keep up with Shackleford and dropped back in the stretch.

Meanwhile, Leparoux had Dialed In saving ground at the back of the pack before launching a wide bid around the turn.

It took until 20 yards from the wire for Dialed In to collar Shackleford.

Dialed In covered the 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.07 and returned $7.80.

With his victory in the Florida Derby, Dialed In becomes eligible for the Preakness 5.5 bonus, which awards $5 million to his owner and $500,00 to his trainer if he can win the Preakness in mid-May..