Kentucky Derby Dress Rehearsals – Horse Racing
Horses, riders and their trainers are all jockeying for one of the 20 places to compete in the eagerly awaited Kentucky Derby. Saturday April 1st was no April Fools Day at Gulfstream Park, as leading contenders and spirited hopefuls ran their last major events before the famed Kentucky Derby.
Barbero, son of Dynaformer handled the Florida track like a potential champion, to overcome a competitive challenge from Sharp Humor. Barbero rider Edgar Prado stirred a challenge coming out of the bend, to take the 1 1/8 mile in a spanking 1:49:01. Trainer Matz was mighty pleased, and plans to use the next 5 weeks entirely for Kentucky Derby preparations. Barbaro will travel to Keeneland to work out for nest month’s epic race. However, Dale Romans who trains Sharp Humor is far from pessimistic. He feels that his ward ran brilliantly and much better than was expected.
Sunriver came third at Gulfstream behind Barbero and Sharp Humor. Trainer Pletcher hopes to make the grade for the Kentucky Derby, as does McLaughlin, whose horse Flashy Bull was 7th at last Saturday’s event.
It looks like we are in for a real humdinger at the Kentucky Derby! The event will celebrate its 132nd year on May 6th 2006.
