Florida Derby

The Florida Derby was a terrific race, although I must admit, I had runner-up Dunkirk pegged to win it.

On a day in which speed reigned king at Gulfstream, Quality Road ran the race of his life and set a track record at a mile and an eight, finishing in 1:47.72, almost two lengths in front of Dunkirk.

That said, I didn't think Dunkirk ran that terribly. He did spot the field quite a bit down the backstretch, and at one point was called as being seven lengths off the lead. He rounded the final turn with enthusiasm, and did draw off from the rest of a stout field. Unfortunately for him, when he locked eyes with Quality Road, he didn't have the reserve to match him, and Quality Road drew off.

I was a bit surprised by the comments of Todd Pletcher, trainer of Dunkirk, about the track conditions after the race, saying "it's frustrating that the track conditions have been so good, fair, the whole meet, and then they want to change it."

Obviously, part of the frustration comes from the failure of his "win one and qualify" strategy. Since the Kentucky Derby accepts entries based on graded stakes winnings (if the number of horses exceeds the twenty starting positions), a horse has to make sure he has enough to qualify. This being Dunkirk's first start of the year, his only qualifying money comes from his second place in this race, and it is unclear if these earnings will be enough to earn his spot in the Derby (author's note - as of 4/12, Dunkirk is listed as 18th in earnings, and it appears he will start in the Derby).

Quality Road, on the other hand, is now sitting pretty after what can only be called a dominating win. His purse money here, coupled with his stakes earnings from his win at the Fountain of Youth on February 28th, clearly have him locked in. And on the heels of such an outstanding performance, I would have trouble picking against him. He ran a terrific race, stalking the lead the entire stretch before pouring it on when turning for home. Even more impressive to me was his ability to recognize and withstand the challenge from Dunkirk. This horse simply looked him in the eye and said "not today". Awesome.