Kentucky Derby starter Catalytic returns in Friday’s Carry Back
At 1h15, on July 4, 2024 • By GULFSTREAM PARK
Tami Bobo, Julie Davies and George Isaacs’ Catalytic is slated for a return to action in Friday’s $95,000 Carry Back at Gulfstream Park, and trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. is looking for a big effort following an off-the-board finish in the May 4 Kentucky Derby (G1).
“I think we can expect something good,” Joseph said. “That’s what we’ve seen in the morning. Hopefully, he shows that in the afternoon.”
The Carry Back, a seven-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds, kicks off a weekend of stakes action at Gulfstream Park that will include the $120,000 Smile Sprint Saturday and the $100,000 Soldier’s Dancer Sunday.
Catalytic had earned his way into the Derby field by finishing a distant second behind Fierceness in the $1 million Curlin Florida Derby (G1) March 30 at Gulfstream Park.
The son of Catalina Cruiser was making only his third career start in the Curlin Florida Derby after scoring a 5 ¾-length debut victory in his only start last year and finishing a close second in a March 2 optional claiming allowance at Tampa Bay Downs with a late stretch surge.
