Monday, March 11, 2013 |
Verrazano continued his unbeaten ways over the weekend with an impressive three length victory over a talented field of three-year-olds in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) at Tampa Bay Downs.
Stumbling slightly at the start, Verrazano was quick to recover, forwardly placing himself going into the first turn with Falling Sky (9) and Jose Espinoza jockeying for position on our outside. John Velazquez made a tactical move allowing Falling Sky (9) to clear and secure a stalking position just off their hip. However, once Espinoza cleared, he slowed Falling Sky (9) while Velazquez ranged up on the outside eventually putting a head in front down the backstretch.
After a moderate 1/2 mile in 47.69, Velazquez was content to sit easy, looking to be in complete control while edging clear of Falling Sky (9) around the far turn. As they hit the 1/4 pole, Velazquez urged Verrazano and quickly opened up three lengths at the top of the stretch. Finishing up smartly to the wire in a hand-ride, Verrazano stopped the clock at 1:43.96 for the 1 1/16 miles distance.
Verrazano put on another impressive performance while never being asked for his best run.The victory solidifies his credentials as a major Kentucky Derby candidatewhile earning 50 points in the Kentucky Derby Championship Series.