Florida Derby draws 11 entrants

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Eleven 3-year-olds, including a few surprise entries, were entered Wednesday for the $1 million Florida Derby, which will be run for the 51st time Saturday at Gulfstream Park.

As expected, the field for the Grade 1, 1 1/8-mile race is headed by Booklet and Harlan's Holiday, the respective one-two finishers in both the Holy Bull and Fountain of Youth Stakes. But three horses who had not been announced as probable starters also were entered: Smooth Jazz, Monthir and Peekskill.

Trainer Todd Pletcher said Smooth Jazz, recently purchased by Michael Tabor, definitely would start. The colt will be part of a coupled entry with the other Tabor and Pletcher colt, Nokoma.

Monthir was entered primarily because jockey Pat Day became available, said trainer Mark Hennig. Day had been scheduled to ride Stephentown, who was declared early Wednesday by trainer Tony Reinstedler because of a minor injury.

Reinstedler is starting Peekskill as a last-minute replacement for Stephentown.

Lineup for $1 million Florida Derby:

Post- Horse, Jockey

1- Monthir, P.Day

2- Harlan's Holiday, E.Prado

3- a-Nokoma, J.Velazquez

4- Booklet, J.Chavez

5- Peekskill, J.Santos

6- a-Smooth Jazz, J.Velazquez

7- Puck, C.Velasquez

8- High Star, G.Stevens

9- D'Coach, J.Castellano

10- Personal Reward, E.Coa

11- Blue Burner, J.Bailey

a - Michael Tabor/Todd Pletcher entry.