Odds-on favorite Verrazano overcame a bobble at the start to win the $350,000 Tampa Bay Derby (gr. II) in impressive fashion on March 9th, stamping himself as one of the favorites for the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) in the process.
Ridden to victory by John Velazquez, Verrazano got off to a slightly awkward start at the beginning of the 1 1/16th miles race, but quickly recovered to race in second place as Falling Sky led the way through an opening quarter mile in :23.50 seconds. Purple Egg and Dynamic Sky were also close to the pace, followed then by Honorable Dillon, Park City, Offlee Fast, Eton Blue, and Java's War.
Entering the backstretch, Verrazano moved up to take the lead from Falling Sky, and led by a length following a half-mile in :47.69 and six furlongs in 1:12.36. Thereafter, Verrazano began to distance himself from his rivals, opening up a commanding advantage while under a hand ride to eventually reach the finish line three lengths in front, seemingly with something left in the tank. The final time was a sharp 1:43.96 seconds.
Java's War finished strongly on the far outside to secure second place, 4 1/4 lengths clear of Falling Sky. Dynamic Sky rounded out the superfecta, while Eton Blue, Park City, Honorable Dillon, Offlee Fast, and Purple Egg trailed the field.
The winner, a son of More Than Ready out of the Giant's Causeway mare Enchanted Rock, is trained by Todd Pletcher and owned by Let's Go Stable, Michael Tabor, Mrs. John Magnier, and Derrick Smith.
-Keelerman
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