Intrepid Heart makes 2020 debut in Florida Derby undercard

Intrepid Heart, a former Belmont Stakes contender whose last win came nearly a year ago, is set his 2020 debut Saturday on the Florida Derby undercard at Gulfstream Park.

The 4-year-old son of Tapit drew the No. 11 post position in the fifth race, a $50,000 allowance optional claimer at a mile.

Trained by Todd Pletcher for owners Robert and Lawana Low, Intrepid Heart debuted a winner in February of 2019 at Oaklawn Park, sparking conversation about his chances for a late run at the Kentucky Derby. Pletcher played it patient, however, electing to return the colt for a 1 1/16-mile allowance win in April at Keeneland.

Having stumbled at the start of the Peter Pan Stakes (G3), Intrepid Heart entered the Belmont off a third-place finish. He ran eighth in the third leg of the Triple Crown series and didn't factor, either, in Saratoga's Curlin Stakes before starting a layoff that ends Saturday.

Two familiar opponents have lined up, with post time at 1:30 p.m. ET.

Bourbon War, a 4-year-old trained by Mark Hennig, ran in last year's Preakness Stakes and Belmont. He's seeking his first win since January of 2019.

Also entered is Network Effect, a 4-year-old trained by Chad Brown. He was last seen finishing eighth in the Cigar Mile (G1) but, going back to his 2-year-old season, is multiple graded stakes-placed.