Charming Image Under Consideration for Florida Derby

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It would probably be one of the biggest upsets in Gulfstream Park history, but Marc Wexler's 3-year-old Charming Image will be 'in it to win it' as the streaking claiming horse takes on some of the best of his generation in Saturday's $1 million Florida Derby (gr. I).

Trained by Anthony Pecoraro, Charming Image has won three straight since being claimed for $25,000 at Calder on Dec. 23. The son of Halo's Image has raced only twice without a price tag, but one of those starts was a third-place finish in the Dover Stakes at Delaware Park last October. By all measures, Pecoraro has already had great success with the Florida-bred, but the colt's development and running style have the trainer a little bit giddy ahead of Saturday's big attempt.

"It's been unbelievable," said Pecoraro. "When I first got him I thought he was just an average horse, but now all he seems to do is win. I know it's been against horses that he ranks well against, but he was in a stakes last year. (His old connections) must have thought something about him. He seems to love Gulfstream and the owner wants to take a shot. For $1 million, you've got to."

Pecoraro says he hasn't had to worry over some of the same details the trainers of leading Derby contenders face on the treacherous Triple Crown trail. "There are so many upsets every year," he said. "A lot of guys are just wondering if their horse can go a mile and an eighth, and then they have to worry about staying sound. They're falling by the wayside everyday. I never have had to think about that. He's very sound and we seem to be having a pretty good meet as far as that goes."

And after a quick glance at the past performances of the horses considered probable for Gulfstream's premier event, Pecoraro cracks a devious smile. "And you know there is a lot of speed in that race," he said. "This could really set up for my horse." Charming Image has closed from as far back as seven lengths during his three-race winning streak.

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