US racing tips: Don’t miss our preview and tips for the $750,000 Florida Derby at Gulfstream live on Sky Sports Racing
THE action Stateside kicks up a notch on Saturday night with the Grade 1 Florida Derby.
The Gulfstream Park feature is like at 10.34 on Sky Sports Racing this Saturday evening, and well have all bases covered with our big-race preview.
This $750,000 contest has a rich history, with 15 horses, including Always Dreaming, Nyquist and Orb in recent years, using this race as a stepping stone to Kentucky Derby glory.
That great race has been postponed until later in the year, but that has not diluted the quality of this 1m1f contest.
Trainer Barclay Tagg, 82, saddled the 2003 Kentucky Derby winner in Funny Cide, and he looks to have the best horse through his barn in some time with TIZ THE LAW.
The colt burst onto the scene at Saratoga last summer before a big Grade 1 win over a mile at Belmont in October.
He was turned over at short odds at Churchill Downs the following month, but he was given a short break and regained the winning thread with a decisive defeat of Ete Indien (who has since franked the form) in a Grade 3 at Gulfstream last month.
He is on a sharp upward curve and sets a strong standard. There are some unexposed types in here against him but they will have to be right out of the top drawer to prevent him landing the spoils.
Independence Hall probably needed the run when losing his unbeaten record at Tampa Bay Downs. This New York raider is likely capable of better and looks the chief threat under Joel Rosario.
Gouverneur Morris looked far from the finished article when second in the Grade 1 Futurity at Keeneland last autumn, and he won nicely on his return to action. He is another to note.
At long odds, the promising Disc Jockey could play a part in the hands of Tyler Gaffalione – but all eyes will be on Tiz The Law.
Florida Derby NAP
10.34 Gulfstream – TIZ THE LAW