Gulfstream Park: Zito has high hopes for Spot

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Nick Zito has won the Kentucky Derby twice. He’d love nothing more than to win a third Derby someday for one of his newest clients, Joseph Moss, the owner of Spot, an up-and-coming 3-year-old who became a Grade 2 winner Saturday, when he upset the previously undefeated No Nay Never in the seven-furlong Swale Stakes.

Even the ever-optimistic Zito has no delusions about Spot winning the Derby, although he does believe the improving son of Pulpit could contend in a Triple Crown race later this spring.

“Mr. Moss is my hero,” Zito said this week. “He’s an elderly gentleman and an ex-Marine who loves the game, and I’d like nothing better than to have a really good 3-year-old for him. Realistically, Spot might be more of a Preakness horse, and the most likely options would be to run him back in races like the Bay Shore and perhaps Derby Trial. But Mr. Moss’s dream is to run a horse in the Florida Derby, and you know me, I believe you never say never in this business.”

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

Spot, a son of Pulpit, earned a career-best 87 Beyer Speed Figure for his 2 1/2-length victory in the Swale, despite losing considerable ground on the final turn and failing to switch leads through the stretch.

“In his final work before the Swale, I put him with two other horses from our barn, trying to simulate race conditions,” Zito said. “He really flew that morning and changed leads on a dime, so it surprised me that he didn’t change on Saturday. He was a little tired coming out of the race the following morning, but he’s bounced right back, so we’ll just see how things go before making a decision on his next start. If it looks like he can be competitive and get a share in the Florida Derby, we might take a chance.”

Spot was one of three winners Zito sent out over the weekend, along with Nevada Kid in a mid-level optional-claiming race Saturday and West Coast Chick, a 3-year-old filly by Malibu Moon who registered a game maiden win here Sunday.

Velazquez to ride Wildcat Red

Trainer Jose Garoffalo has tabbed John Velazquez to replace Luis Saez aboard Wildcat Red in the Florida Derby. Saez guided Wildcat Red to a game victory over General a Rod in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes but was already committed to ride likely favorite Cairo Prince for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin in the Florida Derby.

“We’re all happy to have Johnny V.,” Garoffalo said. “He was the best option, and I think he’s going to get along well with the horse.”

The $1 million Florida Derby is March 29.