McCraken training toward Tampa Bay Derby

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – McCraken, one of the favorites for the 143rd Kentucky Derby on May 6, is back in a daily training routine at the Palm Meadows training center in Boynton Beach, Fla., following his victory in the Feb. 11 Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. McCraken is being pointed to a return to Tampa for the March 11 Tampa Bay Derby.

“All’s well,” said Ian Wilkes, who trains the Ghostzapper colt for owner and breeder Janis Whitham. “I’ll breeze him either once or twice before his next race. Probably twice, although I don’t like to commit to a schedule like that. I like to watch the horse, see how he’s doing, feel what he needs, all that. We’ll take it as it comes.”

McCraken stayed unbeaten in four career starts in winning the Davis by 1 1/2 lengths.

◗ Locally based trainer Luis Duco continued a productive championship meet when Saratoga Citizen captured a maiden special weight race Sunday at a $65.20 mutuel. He was making his first start following a $25,000 claim. His ninth winner from 42 starters, Saratoga Citizen raised Duco’s ROI to $4.20 for every $2 win bet – a figure that would be even higher if Tale of Preseli hadn’t been disqualified from an apparent victory on Jan. 16 at 21-1.

◗ Mind Your Biscuits, Delta Bluesman, and Squadron A were among the older horses expected for the highlight of the coming weekend, the Grade 3 Gulfstream Park Sprint, one of three stakes to be run here Saturday. Entries for the Gulfstream Sprint and two $75,000 turf sprints, the Texas Glitter and Melody of Colors, were drawn Wednesday.