Carry Back in the Florida DerbyCarry Back was Florida's top 3-year-old after winning the Flamingo Stakes at Hialeah. He solidified his hold in the division with a win in the April 1 Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park. But neither triumph was easy.Carry Back, who had started 21 times as a 2-year-old, had his hands full both times with Crozier. In both the Flamingo and Florida Derby, Carry Back was bumped by Crozier in the stretch, but won anyway, finishing a head in front of his rival both times.Carry Back, who departed Florida with four wins in six starts, headed next to Aqueduct for the Wood Memorial Stakes. He couldn't catch pacesetter Globemaster and finished second.Meanwhile, Crozier set a track record in the mile Derby Trial at Churchill Downs the Tuesday before the big race. Bettors still made Carry Back the 5-2 Kentucky Derby favorite, with Crozier next at 7-2.
Carry Back beat Crozier by three-quarters of a length in the Run for the Roses, and won the Preakness over pacesetter Globemaster, with Crozier third. Carry Back failed to perform at his best as the 2-5 favorite in the Belmont and finished unplaced behind winner Sherluck, who paid a record $132.10.
