Florida Derby

Barbaro proved himself yet again (Joel Black/Horsephotos.com)

Lael Stables’ BARBARO (Dynaformer) lived up to his superstar billing and won
a stretch-long duel with pacesetter Sharp Humor (Distorted Humor) in an exciting rendition of the $1 million
Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park on Saturday.
Breaking a bit awkwardly beneath Edgar Prado, Barbaro soon righted himself and
moved into stalking position through mild early fractions of :23 2/5, :47 1/5
and 1:11 1/5 for six furlongs. Turning for home, the two leaders began to
separate from their competitors and set the stage for one of the most thrilling
runnings of this richly contested race. The final time for the nine furlongs was
a crisp 1:49, and the 8-5 favored Michael Matz trainee gave back $5.20, $3.60 and
$2.80 while topping the $18 exacta, $59.60 trifecta and $791.50 superfecta, all
for $1 increments.

“I saw Sharp Humor break sharp,” Prado said. “so I just followed him. He (Barbaro)
was pretty much in control of the race.”

Sharp Humor was making his two-turn debut in here and didn’t give an inch to
the winner until the final strides, finishing a half-length shy at the wire. The
6-1 fourth choice was worth $5.80 and $3.80. Sunriver (Saint Ballado) was the
only horse to make up much ground from off the pace and finished third, three
lengths behind the runner-up. Show paid $3.40 for the 4-1 third choice. Sam’s
Ace (In Excess [Ire]) traveled wide throughout and did well to maintain the
fourth spot, rounding out the superfecta at 34-1. Hesanoldsalt (Broad Brush) was
next and trailed by High Blues (High Yield), Flashy Bull (Holy Bull), Charming
Image (Halo’s Image), Saint Augustus (Saint Ballado), Doc Cheney (Saint Ballado)
and Rehoboth (Wagon Limit).