White Abarrio | Ryan Thompson
White Abarrio (Race day) after his win in GI on Saturday Curlin The Florida Derby is in good shape and will now be aimed at the GI Kentucky Derby, coach Saffie Joseph, Jr. confirmed on Sunday.
“He’s been way further back than we ever imagined and to see him sit back at that pace and move, it gives you a lot of confidence, because you know he can. run close to pace and now sit back and be just as efficient,” said Joseph of the curator’s Florida Derby win.
White Abarrio, third in last year’s GII Kentucky Jockey Club S., is now two-for-two against three. He opened the year with a 4 1/2 stretch win in GIII Holy Bull S.
Saffie said he continues to notice an improvement in the gray pony.
“Physically, he is not a very big horse. He’s already filled out the information and he’s a little more mature. He’s a changed horse,” said Joseph. “He has changed from November to now, and he is showing it on the track. That’s what you want. You want to improve at this time of year. I feel he is taking steps forward.”
Whisper Hill’s Farm Charge it (Tapit) put on a brave display against more experienced ponies while finishing second in the Florida Derby in just the third start of his career. Intern Todd Pletcher, who hit the gate from the start, put on a solid run at the White Abarrio before racing to win the lap.
“To get a real education in such a race is very encouraging. He’s got a bit of green under the lane. He was like drifting behind that horse and I felt as if he only had to run the last 100 yards straight, he would be right there. But I think it was a huge effort, considering everything,” said Pletcher, who added that the Kentucky Derby would be considered for the well-bred foal.
Also targeting the Kentucky Derby is the Florida Derby’s third place team Simplify (Not this time).
Coach Antonio Sano said: “I am very happy with the race because the horse ran well and came back well.
Simplification finished second behind White Abarrio at Holy Bull before winning the GII Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth S.
“The plan was planned in advance, but pressure from Pappacap outside made Jose [Ortiz] Sano said. “It is a good field and my horse runs very well. In the Kentucky Derby, I believe he’s going to do great.”
Not a subscriber? Click here to subscribe to PDF or daily alerts.
This story was posted in Top News and tagged Antonio Sano, Brian Lynch, Classic Road, Florida Derby, Gulfstream Park, Kentucky Derby, Saffie Joseph Jr., Simplify, Todd Pletcher, Whisper Hill Farm, White Abarrio.
