Pletcher loads work tab with Kentucky Derby hopefuls

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Todd Pletcher did not make the trip Saturday across the Florida peninsula to saddle Vino Rosso for the Tampa Bay Derby, but that’s standard procedure. The superstar trainer stayed busy instead overseeing a full morning of workouts at his Palm Beach Downs winter base, preparing some of his other 3-year-olds for upcoming starts on the Kentucky Derby trail.

Among the Pletcher workers was Audible, who went five furlongs in 1:00.80 in his third breeze since his 5 1/2-length romp in the Feb. 3 Holy Bull. The Into Mischief colt runs next in the March 31 Florida Derby.

Other notables included Magnum Moon, five furlongs in 1:00.60 in preparation for the Rebel Stakes this Saturday at Oaklawn Park, and Noble Indy, five furlongs in 1:01.20, heading for the March 24 Louisiana Derby.

Gidu, winner of the Columbia Stakes on the Tampa Bay Derby undercard for Pletcher, might be given a chance on dirt for his next start, said Justin Zayat of owner Zayat Stables, with the Transylvania or American Turf as alternative spots if he stays on the grass.

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Pletcher told Tampa publicity that Vino Rosso, a disappointing fourth in the Tampa Bay Derby, might get another chance on the Derby trail by running back in the April 7 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct.

Always Dreaming, the 2017 Kentucky Derby winner, also was on the Saturday tab, going five furlongs in 1:01.80, his sixth timed work since late January. Pletcher has said a comeback could be imminent.

Two 3-year-old newcomers had flashy debuts for Pletcher over the weekend – Ruler of the Nile, a $1 million 2-year-old purchase, earned an 83 Beyer Speed Figure in winning by 7 1/4 lengths on the Tampa Bay Derby undercard, and Autostrade, a $400,000 2-year-old purchase, got an 85 Beyer from a five-length score Sunday at Gulfstream.

Pletcher entered this week at Gulfstream with 55 winners and is well on his way to an amazing 15th straight training title at the championship meet, a streak that started in 2004. His record at the 2017-18 Tampa meet also is noteworthy, with nine wins and five seconds from just 18 starts.