Everyone is looking for something – important stuff like a return to normal, or less important stuff like a horse to bet.
Jockey Manny Franco was looking for something Saturday afternoon at Gulfstream Park. Franco was riding favorite Tiz the Law in the Florida Derby, when he snuck a peak over his right shoulder at the five-sixteenths pole and again at the eighth pole.
Grade 1, $750,000 Florida Derby, 1 1/8 miles, Gulfstream Park, March 28, 2020
(100 Derby qualifying points for a win, 40 for second, 20 for third, 10 for fourth)
Winner: Tiz the Law, by Constitution
Trainer: Barclay Tagg
Jockey: Manny Franco
Owners: Sackatoga Stable
Beyer Speed Figure: 96
With most other North American sports being shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, we hope the sport of horse racing can entertain you during these trying times. Daily Racing Form has served as the most trusted source of news and information about the sport since 1894, and moving forward we have decided to provide a free daily playbook - something that both hardcore horseplayers and casual observers can reference to get informed of each day's action.
With most other North American sports being shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, we hope the sport of horse racing can entertain you during these trying times. Daily Racing Form has served as the most trusted source of news and information about the sport since 1894, and moving forward we have decided to provide a free daily playbook - something that both hardcore horseplayers and casual observers can reference to get informed of each day's action.
Our Pix last week were quickly dealt with—both scratched. Of course, the pandemic has taken its toll on all racing activities that were once considered normal, including the number of races in which BreezeFigs maidens run. During the week four of them broke their maidens—at Fair Grounds, Gulfstream, Oaklawn and Santa Anita, plus three others won stakes including the Louisiana Derby. Today’s card is very limited but there are three first-time starters, all of which deserve attention, see below Stay safe and good luck!
With most other North American sports being shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, we hope the sport of horse racing can entertain you during these trying times. Daily Racing Form has served as the most trusted source of news and information about the sport since 1894, and moving forward we have decided to provide a free daily playbook – something that both hardcore horseplayers and casual observers can reference to get informed of each day’s action.
Who knows how much longer racing is going to keep going in the face of social distancing and stay-at-home, so let’s enjoy it while we have it – and there’s plenty to enjoy Saturday at Gulfstream Park.
Sometimes these mega multi-stakes days present as overkill. Not this one. The very first stakes, the $100,000 Cutler Bay for 3-year-old turf horses, could easily have come up allowance-like, but this race is excellent for the level and sets the tone for the card.
It wasn’t easy to just pick three races, but here they are.
Saturday is Curlin Florida Derby Day at Gulfstream Park, and that important Grade 1 race for 3-year-olds is supported on a strong undercard by nine stakes, five of them graded. Gulfstream will pay out the Rainbow 6 pool on Saturday, with a minimum guaranteed value of $5 million if the wager isn’t hit Thursday or Friday.
ISTAN COUNCIL
Trainer: Larry Jones
Last race: March 20, 8th
Finish: 4th by 5 1/2
Beyer: 75
She caught Grade 1 winner Mia Mischief in an allowance sprint and closed from last for fourth to that one in the six-furlong race, which marked Istan Council’s first out since October. Trainer Larry Jones said the filly has indicated she wants two turns and that’s the direction he intends to go with her this season.
