Promoted as this season’s premier qualifying event for the Kentucky Derby, sponsored by Woodford Reserve, the $1 million Grade 1 Curlin Florida Derby, with Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms at Zalapa as a presenting sponsor, held at Gulfstream Park on March 28, lived up to its billing when Commandment narrowly defeated The Puma by a nose in a close finish.
During a thrilling running of the 1 1/8-mile Florida Derby, Commandment launched a powerful move on the far outside in the final straightaway, catching The Puma precisely at the finish line, completing the race in 1:49.99 on a fast surface for conditioner Brad Cox, guided by jockey Flavien Prat. The payout for his win was $5.80.
Departing from gate 4, Commandment took a relaxed position towards the rear of the small six-contender group in the initial stages, while the race progressed with unhurried opening splits of :24.10 and :48.80. The highly regarded Nearly, part of Wayne’s Law’s stable, set the pace until the late runners began their ascent.
The Puma initiated a broad, sweeping advance to seize the lead for a significant portion of the stretch drive, battling fiercely to the finish line, yet falling just short. Prat maneuvered Commandment to the outside in the stretch, and the young horse responded with a persistent surge to pass The Puma right at the finish.
“At the furlong marker, I believed I had an opportunity,” Prat commented. “He’s uncomplicated, and he possesses a competitive spirit. He displayed significant courage in the final stretch.”
With this triumph, Commandment solidified his status as a formidable candidate for the Kentucky Derby, securing 100 crucial qualifying points for the journey towards the event.
Despite the loss, The Puma delivered his finest performance to date, finishing as the runner-up for trainer Gustavo Delgado, with Javier Castellano in the saddle.
“We were convinced we had the win,” stated assistant trainer Gustavo Delgado Jr. “Apart from that, the outcome was precisely what we aimed for in preparation for the Derby.”
Castellano further noted, “The Puma performed exceptionally well. I am highly pleased. The ride was ideal. That was our objective for the day. He gave me a strong effort. I genuinely thought I had won.”
Accumulating a total of 150 Kentucky Derby qualifying points, Commandment now holds a firm lead on the standings as the race approaches on the first Saturday in May, concurrently, The Puma, with 106 points, and Chief Wallabee, holding 50 points, also bolstered their placements.
Having conserved energy along the inside earlier, Chief Wallabee shifted wide in the early part of the straightaway and advanced steadily amidst other competitors, but ultimately secured third place for conditioner Bill Mott. This performance garnered him 25 Kentucky Derby qualifying points.
“I sensed he had a lot left,” jockey Junior Alvarado remarked. “I anticipated a burst of speed when I urged him, but it didn’t materialize. He maintained a consistent speed.”
Nearly, under the guidance of trainer Todd Pletcher and ridden by John Velazquez, came in fourth position, accumulating 15 Kentucky Derby qualifying points.
“Perhaps he required this race to progress. We shall observe,” Pletcher commented. “We have ample time to assess his recovery, give him some training here, and evaluate the overall situation.”
For Cox, this triumph extended his successful streak in significant Kentucky Derby preparatory events and further solidified his conviction regarding Commandment’s endurance capabilities.
“I believe he silenced any doubts about his preferred distance,” Cox stated. “Given a suitable run, he is capable of performing well over both a mile and an eighth and a mile and a quarter.” — Charlie McCarthy
