Always Dreaming romps in the Grade 1 Florida Derby
Always Dreaming is no longer just another talented colt from the loaded barn of Todd Pletcher. The half-brother to Hot Dixie Chick is now a Grade 1 winner, and one of the favorites for the 2017 Kentucky Derby. All that was accomplished this afternoon, as the son of Bodemeister ran away to a five-length victory in the $1 million Florida Derby today at Gulfstream Park.
Before the race, most eyes were on the smashing winner of the Fountain of Youth, Gunnevera, who was bet down to odds of even money, despite his outside post position. Meanwhile, Always Dreaming, owned by Brooklyn Boyz Stables and Teresa Viola Racing Stable, was shown plenty of respect as the 5-2 second choice in the field of ten.
As expected, the multiple stakes winner Three Rules moved quickly out of the nine-post to gain the early lead heading into the first turn. As he moved over, he cut in front of Always Dreaming, as well as the third choice, State of Honor. The latter was a bit headstrong, as he was held off the early lead from the rail. Just to his outside was John Velazquez aboard Always Dreaming. Together, the pair moved ahead of State of Honor to commence stalking the early leader from second down the Gulfstream backstretch.
With his main competition up in the top three spots, Gunnevera lagged back in last, a long way off the pace. Always Dreaming chased Three Rules through fractions of :23.28, and :47.08, and into the far turn, waiting to make his move. State of Honor and Impressive Edge were both within striking distance, just behind. The favorite was passing horses but still too far back to pose a serious threat as the field came spinning out of the turn.
When the field hit the stretch, Always Dreaming pounced on the leader, and quickly took over. The race was soon no longer in doubt. Lengthening his advantage with every stride, the dark bay colt made his stakes debut look easy, cruising to the wire an easy winner.
The final time for the nine furlongs was an excellent 1:47.47, the fastest Florida Derby in nearly four decades. State of Honor held well to be a clear second, while Gunnevera got up late to finish third, ahead of Impressive Edge, and Three Rules.
For their efforts, the top three all moved into the top five of the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard. Always Dreaming earned 100 points for the win, while Gunnevera (84) and State of Honor (62) added to their existing totals. All are more than enough to qualify for the first Saturday in May.
As the second choice, Always Dreaming returned $7.40, $3.80, and $2.60 across the board. The $2 exacta of the second and third choices paid $39.80, while the 4-1-11 trifecta, completed by the favorite, was good for $89.80
For the winning trainer, the victory was his fourth in the important Kentucky Derby prep, and his third Florida Derby win in the last four years. “I think the whole program really helped today," said Pletcher. "We brought him along gradually, opted for the allowance race on Fountain of Youth day and I think all that paid off. The horse has been training exceptionally well and we were confident he was going to run as well as he’s capable of, and thankfully he did."
"I have to be honest with you, he was training so well that I would have been disappointed had he not run well, but that was a very impressive performance," added Pletcher. "Certainly, that’s why we were here today to hopefully get the points to go on. With two mile and an eighth wins and the way he galloped out today, I’m confident he’ll get the trip. Like always, you want them to stay healthy and you have to have some good luck for the next five weeks.”
With the victory, Always Dreaming raised his lifetime record to 5-3-1-1. In 2017, he is a perfect three-for-three, having accounted for a maiden at Tampa Bay Downs, and an optional claimer at Gulfstream Park, in easy fashion in his previous two starts. The $350,000 yearling purchase raised his earnings to $648,900. Most importantly, he punched his ticket as a horse to watch for the Kentucky Derby.