Florida Derby favorites put in final works

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – The three favorites for the Florida Derby had their final breezes Saturday for the $1 million race, with Upstart breezing at the Palm Meadows training center and the Todd Pletcher duo of Itsaknockout and Materiality doing their work at Palm Beach Downs.

Upstart, who figures as a solid favorite next Saturday in the Grade 1 Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park, breezed five furlongs in 59.40 seconds under exercise rider Vicki King.

“It was exceptional,” said trainer Rick Violette. “It’s what good horses do.”

Itsaknockout, still unbeaten in three starts after being awarded victory in the Feb. 21 Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream, breezed a half-mile in company with Materiality, unbeaten in two starts. Both were timed in 48.60 seconds, galloping out five furlongs in 1:01 and six furlongs in 1:12.20.

“Both horses worked extremely well, head-and-head, the right way,” said Pletcher. “I’m pleased with both of them. I think both horses are coming into the race fit. We’re just trying to keep them happy.”

The Pletcher colts will not be coupled for wagering purposes and figure as the second and third choices.

A prospective field of eight to 10 3-year-olds remains intact for the 1 1/8-mile Florida Derby. The others considered definite are Dekabrist, Felifran, Indianaughty, My Point Exactly, and Quimet. Two more, Ami’s Flatter and Eh Cumpari, are possible starters.

Eh Cumpari, trained by Michael Dilger, was the only other Saturday worker for the Florida Derby, going five furlongs in 1:02.40 at Palm Meadows.

Entries for the Florida Derby will be drawn Tuesday at about 5 p.m. in the Gulfstream walking ring, while the remainder of a 14-race card will be drawn Wednesday. First post Florida Derby Day is noon Eastern. The card will include seven other stakes, all but one of them graded.