Florida Derby or Swale for Flashpoint?

Updated: Thursday, March 31, 2011 10:03 AM
Posted: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 1:09 PM

Photo: Coglianese Photos

Trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. said March 30 that he was ready to run the Flashpoint in either the Florida Derby (gr. I) or the Swale (gr. II) April 3 at Gulfstream Park, but the decision would be up to the undefeated colt’s owner.

The Florida Derby is run at nine furlongs, while the Swale is at seven furlongs. With the decision still pending, Dutrow worked Flashpoint six furlongs in 1:13 3/5 last week.

“It was a good work for either race we decide to go in,” Dutrow said. “He’s been training good since he’s run. There are no issues with the horse. It’s just an issue of which race we decide to go in.”

Flashpoint, owned by Peachtree Stable, has raced only twice, a six-furlong maiden victory at Aqueduct on Jan. 15 by more than six lengths and a 7 1/4-length romp in the seven-furlong Hutcheson (gr. II) at Gulfstream on Feb. 26.

“It seems like in the Swale he’d be the horse to beat,” Dutrow said. “In the Florida Derby, it’s a question of if he can go that far with those horses. That’s what it all adds up to.”

Probables for the Florida Derby include Soldat, Dialed In, To Honor and Serve, Stay Thirsty, Bowman's Causeway, and Arch Traveler. Flashpoint's presence would change the complexion of the race, as he would most likely be a pacesetter in the $1 million event.

Entries for the Florida Derby will be drawn on Thursday, March 31 at 1 p.m. EDT.

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