Gulfstream Park: Constitution shows promise for Pletcher

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Trainer Todd Pletcher unveiled the newest member of his potential Kentucky Derby arsenal, Constitution, here Saturday. Constitution, a son of Tapit, overcame a very slow start to win his debut in game fashion, edging clear near the wire from the more experienced Juba following a furious stretch duel. Despite the tardy beginning, Constitution ran seven furlongs in 1:23.36 and was given a Beyer Speed Figure of 84.

“I thought he ran great,” Pletcher said. “I was disappointed in the way he broke but very happy with everything else he did. I feel like he’s a horse who wants two turns, and we’ll give him that opportunity at some point. I wouldn’t rule anything out at this stage of the game for his next start, but an allowance race would probably be the most logical place to bring him back.”

[Clocker Reports: Get Mike Welsch’s clocker reports from Gulfstream Park and Palm Meadows]