OLDSMAR, Fla. – This year marks not only the 25th anniversary of trainer Rusty Arnold having his second and most recent starter in the Kentucky Derby but also the 35th anniversary of his first.

There would be no better way to celebrate than having another Derby starter.

“It’s the plan we’ve had since last fall,” said Arnold, who on Saturday will be looking to take a big step in that direction when Wild Shot runs in the Grade 2, $350,000 Tampa Bay Derby at Tampa Bay Downs.

Mo Town, who finished fifth as the favorite in the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds on Feb. 25, returned to the work tab Wednesday at Payson Park in Florida, breezing a half-mile in 49.60 seconds.

Trainer Tony Dutrow said he is considering the Grade 1, $1 million Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park on April 1 or the Grade 2, $750,000 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct on April 8 for the colt’s next start.

:: ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY: Prep races, point standings, replays, and analysis

Grade 3, $300,000 Gotham Stakes; 1 1/16 miles; Aqueduct; March 4, 2017
(50 Derby qualifying points for a win, 20 for second, 10 for third, 5 for fourth)

Winner: J Boys Echo, by Mineshaft
Trainer: Dale Romans
Jockey: Robby Albarado
Owner: Albaugh Family Stable
Beyer Speed Figure: 102

Gormley

Malibu Moon–Race to Urga, by Bernstein

(Bred in Kentucky by Castleton Lyons and Kilboy Estate; $150,000 buyback at 2015 Keeneland September yearling sale; private purchase by Jerry and Ann Moss)

Grade 2, $400,000 Fountain of Youth Stakes; 1 1/16 miles; Gulfstream Park; March 4, 2017
(50 Derby qualifying points for a win, 20 for second, 10 for third, 5 for fourth)

Winner: Gunnevera, by Dialed In
Trainer: Antonio Sano
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Owner: Peacock Racing Stables LLC
Beyer Speed Figure: 97

As the great stallion A.P. Indy contentedly lives out his days as a pensioner at Lane’s End Farm in Versailles, Ky., his legacy to the breed is already more than secure, thanks to his sons and grandsons at stud who continue to make headlines and new representatives looking to join the ranks.

Jockey James Graham took off riding Saturday afternoon at Fair Grounds to be at Turfway Park on Saturday evening for the mount on It's Your Nickel in the $100,000 John Battaglia Stakes. Suffice to say, it was a good choice.

It’s Your Nickel romped to a 6 1/2-length victory in the Battaglia, and in doing so, became the presumptive favorite for the Grade 3, $500,000 Spiral at Turfway on March 25.

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Javier Castellano learned his lesson. Four weeks ago, in the Holy Bull, the four-time reigning champion jockey said he was too impatient with Gunnevera and believed he cost the colt his best chance. So, in the Grade 2, $400,000 Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, Castellano was focused on taking his time before striking.

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Trainer Dale Romans said J Boys Echo was a big clown early in his career. On Saturday, it was Romans and his maturing 3-year-old who had the last laugh as J Boys Echo took advantage of a dream trip to record a 3 1/2-length victory in the Grade 3, $300,000 Gotham Stakes on a chilled late-winter afternoon at Aqueduct.

ARCADIA, Calif. – Gormley, the winner of the Grade 3 Sham Stakes for 3-year-olds at a mile Jan. 7, is tentatively scheduled to start in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita next Saturday, trainer John Shirreffs said on Saturday.

Shirreffs said Royal Mo, the winner of the Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes on Feb. 4, will be pointed for the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park on March 18.