Pletcher Attempts to Add to Florida Derby History
At 0h43, on April 2, 2022 • By GULFSTREAM
Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher will attempt to win Saturday’s $1 million Curlin Florida Derby (G1) with Charge It, a son of Tapit who has raced only twice. While you may think it’s a lot to ask such a lightly raced colt, don’t bet against it with Pletcher.
Pletcher, who is the Florida Derby’s all-time leading trainer with six victories, including five over the last eight years, has pulled off this trick before – twice, in consecutive years.
In 2014, Pletcher won the Derby with Constitution, a colt who came into the race off a debut victory Jan. 11 and a victory Feb. 22 in a 1 1/16-mile allowance optional claimer. The very next year, Pletcher did it again, this time with Materiality, who broke his maiden in January and then won the Islamorada on the main track at 1 1/8 miles.
Going back a little further, Quality Road brought Pletcher to the Derby winner’s circle in 2009 off only three races, one being a victory in the Fountain of Youth (G2).
