Wildcat Red should resume training soon

Wildcat Red, who was named Florida-bred Horse of the Year for 2014 at the annual awards ceremony Monday night in Ocala, Fla., could return to light training around the first of April, according to trainer Jose Garoffalo.

Wildcat Red was diagnosed with a pulled back muscle when well beaten in the Jan. 17 Sunshine Millions Classic and is now walking the Garoffalo shed row at Gulfstream after getting time off. The 4-year-old Wildcat Red has earned $936,875.

◗ With so many stakes and allowance races just over the horizon, and with six days of live action this week, the Gulfstream racing office struggled to cobble together a Friday program that has not so much as one allowance race. A $29,000 starter-optional claimer (race 8) ranks among the better races.

◗ Although the Gulfstream condition book states that all races for the 14-race Florida Derby card next Saturday, March 28, will be drawn Wednesday, entries and post positions actually will be drawn for the Florida Derby itself at 5 p.m. Tuesday. The remaining 13 races, including six other graded stakes, will be drawn as scheduled Wednesday.

◗ Tickets remain available for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund charity event to be held Monday evening at Frank and Dino’s restaurant in Deerfield Beach. For more information, call (954) 427-4909.