Barbaro favored in Florida Derby

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Hallandale, FL (Sports Network) - The well rested Barbaro has been installed as the 8-5 morning line favorite for Saturday"s $1 million Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park. Ten other three-year-olds have been entered against Barbaro.

Owned by Lael Stables, Barbaro has not raced since winning the Holy Bull Stakes on February 4. The undefeated colt has won all four starts for $249,000. His first three career starts were all on the grass and he has never been worse than second during any of his races.

Barbaro is trained by Michael Matz and will be ridden by Edgar Prado from post 10. The last two starts for Barbaro have both been at the Florida Derby distance of 1 1/8 miles.

Looking for his first stakes win will be West Point Stable"s Flashy Bull. The colt has just a maiden victory in eight starts, but is coming off a strong performance in the Fountain of Youth Stakes. In that race he finished third, but was awarded second place after an objection.

Flashy Bull is 4-1 in the program for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin and will start from post 2 with Rafael Bejarano riding. Flashy Bull has earned $159,650 in his eight starts.

Swale Stakes winner Sharp Humor will be making his first start around two turns. He will break from post 7 with Mark Guidry in the saddle. Sharp Humor is owned by Purdedel Stable and trained by Dale Romans. The bay colt is on a three race win streak and has career earnings of $266,410. Sharp Humor is the third choice at 5-1.

Rounding out the field in post position order are Hesanoldsalt, Saint Augustus, Doc Cheney, Sunriver, Rehoboth, High Blues, Charming Image and Sams" Ace.

An important race on the road to the Run for the Roses, the last Florida Derby winner to capture the Kentucky Derby was Monarchos in 2001. In 2003 Empire Maker was second to Funny Cide at Churchill Downs and then won the Belmont Stakes.