Dialed In Loses Florida Derby Prep

Dialed In, prepping for the April 3 Florida Derby (G1), fell a 1/2 length short in his first start around two turns at Gulfstream Park on Sunday.

The nine furlong optional claiming event had a compact field of five and Reprized Halo set off for the lead through tepid splits of :24.96, :49.40, and 1:13.89.

Dialed In's uncoupled stablemate Equestrio was always well placed under Jose Lezcano and struck the front after the pacesetter gave way. The other Nick Zito charge opened up a three-length advantage in the stretch and was waiting for the competition.

Dialed In was comfortable sitting a few lengths off the pace near the back of the pack before splitting rivals turning for home. He angled out under Leparoux and had the place wrapped up when Equestrio veered out sharply shortly before the wire. The final margin of victory was a 1/2 length. The winner stopped the timer in 1:51.12 and paid $8.40 as the second betting choice.

Valerius was another 4-1/4 back in third and was followed by William's Kitten and Reprized Halo.

As for Dialed In, he was clearly second best against older rivals in his first start around two turns. This was nothing more than a tune-up for the Florida Derby (G1) and the promising, lightly raced son of Mineshaft should move forward on April 3.