Harvey Wallbanger may await Florida Derby for next start

Kenny McPeek-trained Signalman and Harvey Wallbanger breezed Saturday morning at Gulfstream Park Saturday in preparation for upcoming 2019 Kentucky Derby qualifiers.

Signalman, who captured the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs in his 2018 finale, breezed five furlongs in 1:00.11. The workout, the third fastest of 37 recorded at the distance, was the son of General Quarters’ third at Gulfstream in preparation for his 2019 debut.

“He worked good. I was happy with it,” said McPeek, who has been targeting the Grade 2, $400,000 Fountain of Youth on March 2 at Gulfstream.

Harvey Wallbanger breezed for the first time since pulling off a 29-1 upset victory in the Feb. 2 Holy Bull (G2), getting a half-mile in 50.67 seconds.

“It was an easy half. It was his first work since the race. He’s done everything right,” McPeek said. “He’s done everything right.”

After watching the two Triple Crown prospects breeze next Saturday, McPeek will firm up plans for them.

“I have to work them this weekend, but right now I’m leaning towards Signalman here [in the Fountain of Youth] and waiting with Harvey Wallbanger for the Florida Derby,” McPeek said.

The Florida Derby (G1) runs March 30.

McPeek also sent Grade 1 winner Restless Rider to the Gulfstream track Saturday for her first workout of the season. The Alcibiades (G1) winner and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) runner-up breezed three furlongs in 39.47 seconds. She could await Keeneland's Ashland (G1) as a lone prep for the Kentucky Oaks, McPeek has said.