For Independence Hall, silence may be golden in Florida Derby

That Gulfstream Park figures to be extremely quiet on Saturday because there will be no fans or owners in attendance may actually help Independence Hall.

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Independence Hall has been a handful for his handlers in the paddock, at least in his two races at Aqueduct. A more serene environment may help Independence Hall with his pre-race behavior.

“It should be pretty quiet,” trainer Michael Trombetta said. “That should help me.”

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Before shipping Independence Hall from Tampa Bay Downs to Gulfstream Park a week or so ago, Trombetta said he schooled Independence Hall often in the paddock. Trombetta also thought Independence Hall was better behaved prior to his second-place finish in the Sam F. Davis, his most recent start.

“He did get himself a little bit worked up, but not nearly as bad as he did in New York,” Trombetta said. “He’s just an aggressive type of individual. When he gets around other horses he tends to get his game face on and get very serious. Hopefully, with the situation the way it is now, it kind of helps us. Other than that, he’s done everything really well.”