Gulfstream Park: Wildcat Red slated for Florida Derby work

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Trainer Jose Garoffalo said Wildcat Red will work for the first time since capturing the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes almost three weeks earlier either Friday or Saturday morning, depending upon the weather.

“Right now, the plan is still to take him to the Florida Derby,” Garoffalo said. “He’s doing well, he doesn’t need too much. He’ll just gallop strong and have a couple of easy works before his next start.”

[ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY: Prep races, point standings, replays]

Jockey John Velazquez will replace Luis Saez on Wildcat Red in the March 29 Florida Derby. Saez will keep his regular seat aboard Cairo Prince.

In further jockey shuffling, agent Ron Anderson confirmed Wednesday that Joel Rosario will replace Javier Castellano aboard Fountain of Youth runner-up General a Rod in the Florida Derby. According to his agent Matt Muzikar, Castellano, who is the regular rider for the undefeated Constitution as well as the highly rated Honor Code, is uncommitted as to where he will ride March 29. He will have several lucrative options on the Florida Derby and Louisiana Derby cards that afternoon.

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