Three Takeaways from 2022 Florida Derby

Apr 06, 2022 James Scully/TwinSpires.com

The $1 million Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park, a
major Road to the Kentucky Derby series qualifier awarding 170 points toward a
berth in the first leg of the Triple Crown, is expected to produce at least
three Kentucky Derby starters.

White Abarrio and
Charge It lacked the points to make
the Kentucky Derby field entering the Florida Derby, requiring a top two finish
to likely guarantee their participation. Simplification
and Classic Causeway had already
locked up berths, by virtue of their respective wins in the Fountain of Youth
(G2) and Tampa Bay Derby (G2).

Horses on the Kentucky Derby bubble took a hit as White Abarrio and Charge It rallied from off the pace to complete the exacta.

Unraced since a 4 1/2-length victory in the Feb. 5 Holy Bull
(G3), White Abarrio didn’t receive the same cushy trip from his previous start,
taking the overland route to score by 1 1/4 lengths. The gray son of Race Day
traveled at least four wide into the first turn, settling a few lengths back in
fifth as Classic Causeway and Simplification hooked up on the front end entering the backstretch.

Pappacap advanced to challenge Simplification as Classic
Causeway gave way entering the far turn. White Abarrio also started to make
headway and found his best stride nearing the completion of the bend, quickly
powering his way into a clear lead as he straightened for home with Tyler
Gaffalione. The Saffie Joseph Jr.-trained colt comfortably held the weaving
Charge It safe by 1 1/4 lengths.

Charge It, a big, gangly Tapit colt jumping up to face
stakes foes following a one-turn maiden win on Feb. 12, appeared to have every
chance to close for the win while advancing into contention in upper stretch,
but he switched to the wrong lead and lugged in, forcing Luis Saez to
concentrate on keeping his inexperienced mount straight.

The ceiling may be very high for Charge It, but his
immaturity showed in a major way. The Todd Pletcher trainee hit the gate at the
start, raced in spots as Saez had to urge him along repeatedly, and didn’t run
straight in the stretch. He’ll gain seasoning from this experience, Pletcher
has five weeks of additional preparation, and I won’t be shocked to see Charge
It move forward significantly at Churchill Downs if he handles the paddock and
post parade, and receives the right trip.

The Kentucky Derby could also be too much too soon for the
talented Charge It.

Simplification held for third, a length back of Charge It,
and he’s eligible to receive a better trip next time after contesting the pace
in the Florida Derby. The Not This Time colt proved more effective utilizing stalking
tactics in the Fountain of Youth.

The Florida Derby appeared to be a quality race with serious
Kentucky Derby contenders, but it was not fast. The top three finishers all
received lower Brisnet Speed ratings from their previous start, and the final
three-eighths of a mile was completed in nearly 40 seconds.

White Abarrio, who has won both starts this year after
finishing third in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs last fall, registered
96 Speed figure. His 77 Late Pace rating came back extremely low. Charge It
(94/77) and Simplification (93/70) also must show more at Churchill Downs.

Following convincing wins at 1 1/16 miles in the Tampa Bay
Derby and Sam F. Davis (G3), Classic Causeway stepped up to face tougher
competition and stretched out in distance for the Florida Derby, and the classy
colt surprisingly gave way by the far turn, weakening to finish last of nine by
more than 20 lengths.

His connections now have a decision to make. The 1 1/4-mile Derby
trip won’t be optimal for Classic Causeway, the talented colt looks poised to
be a major player at shorter distances moving forward, but Kentucky Derby fever
can be difficult to shake.