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Verrazano Makes Stakes Debut In Tampa Bay Derby
Thursday, March 7, 2013 | RSS Feeds

Verrazano is entered in the 10th race at Tampa Bay Downs on Saturday, March 9th. It is the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) for 3-year-olds, going 1 1/16 miles on the dirt. He has drawn post position 6 of 9 and will be ridden by John Velazquez. The purse is $350,000, and approximate post time is 5:15.

After a dominating performance, going a one-turn flat mile at Gulfstream Park on February 2nd, Verrazano clealry earned the right to step up into graded stakes competition. After careful consideration, the timing of the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) seemed to fit Verrazano best leaving a couple options going forward. Furthermore, we're content to keep Verrazano in Florida for now and make the easy van ride cross state to Tampa Bay.

Although the benefits of the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) are significant, there are several new challenges facing Verrazano. He'll try a new demanding surface going two-turns for the first time, which would seem a formidable task alone for some. However, we're confident he'll handle the Tampa Bay oval just fine and have no reason to believe added distance is an issue.

Verrazano's biggest challange looks to be the competition. Asking our talented son of More Than Ready to take the next step in graded stakes company is no easy task especially in this field. With no less than five stakes winners in the race, Verrazano will have his hands full as the likely post time favorite.

To view Past Performances CLICK HERE