Upstart, Itsaknockout Work for Florida Derby

Lambholm South Holy Bull (gr. II) winner Upstart breezed five furlongs in :59.55 March 21 at Palm Meadows Training Center, in the final tune-up for his run in the $1 million Besilu Stables Florida Derby (gr. I) March 28 at Gulfstream Park.



"That was cool," trainer Rick Violette said. "It was exceptional. It's what good horses do."



The Flatter   colt was prompted by a stablemate to his outside for three furlongs before drawing off powerfully through the stretch under exercise rider Vicki King.



"It was just to kind of get him on the bridle and let him know that today was serious," Violette said. "It was to get his game face on and he certainly did."



The workout was Upstart's third since he crossed the wire first in the Besilu Stables Fountain of Youth (gr. II) Feb. 21, when he finished 2 3/4 lengths clear of Itsaknockout, only to be disqualified by the Gulfstream stewards for interference with the second-place finisher, who was elevated to the win.



"The way he breezed this morning, he should be pretty close to his 'A' game in the Florida Derby," Violette said.



Itsaknockout, in company with undefeated stablemate Materiality, was also training Saturday for trainer Todd Pletcher.



The 3-year-olds, both penciled in for the Florida Derby, went four furlongs in :48 3/5 at Palm Beach Downs.



"Both horses worked extremely well, head-and-head, the right way," Pletcher said. "I'm pleased with both of them. I think both horses are coming into the race fit. We're just trying to keep them happy."



Back at Palm Meadows, Palm Beach Stakes (gr. IIIT) winner Eh Cumpari breezed five furlongs, covering the distance in 1:02 2/5.



Trainer Michael Dilger said the son of Elusive Quality   could make a return to dirt for the Florida Derby.



"It's possible," Dilger said. "We'll make a decision this weekend."