C2 Racing Stable and La Milagrosa Stable’s White Abarrio winner of Holy Bull Stakes (G3) on February 5 at Gulfstream Parkpotentially back on the Road to the Kentucky Derby for the April 2 Florida Curlin Derby (G1).
“We talked tonight (Saturday), and I’d say it’s not set in stone, but he’s going straight to the Florida Derby. We don’t have to decide now, but everyone. knocked out the same page to go straight to the Florida Derby,” coach Saffie Joseph Jr. said. “The distance works well. He’s run really well and hopefully, that will help him do his best at the Kentucky Derby (G1).”
Started his first since finishing third in the November 27 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) at Churchill DownsWhite Abarrio has proven ready for his comeback despite missing a training pair to prepare for Holy Bull.
“I’m glad he won as easily as you can ask a horse to win a race, and it was the deepest preparation to date. To be able to win, that’s amazing,” said Joseph. “We had a bit of a defeat in the race. We missed a few pieces. You would think he should improve on that. He hit 97 Beyer (Speed Picture). Only to think he can improve on that — it’s a good feeling.
“When you have that kind of speed and can keep up, you’ve put yourself in a good position. Killing speed in dirt racing. To have that and also have the stamina to go long distances, that’s it. It’s a powerful combination.”
After running 1/16 of a mile in 1:42.80, White Abarrio galloped powerfully under the guidance of Tyler Gaffalione, who called on a further runner to assist in pulling the winner up.
“That’s what you want to see when a horse goes two laps, because you have to go a mile and a quarter (in the Kentucky Derby). He’s done everything so far to seem within reach. his,” said Joseph.
“He’s a sports horse. He’s very gentle on his feet. He’s a beautifully moving horse. It continues to race day, which is the main test. He saddles the horse. very professional – calm, calm,” said Joseph. “He can be a little sharp in the morning. When he’s galloping he can get a little excited in the morning, but when you’re working with him he relaxes. It’s a good attribute required — speed but judgment.”
Coach Antonio Sano reports that Tami Bobo’s Holy Bull comes in second Simplify had a “very good” morning following his remarkable recovery from a bad start, in which he finally fell to the ground nodding his head as the gates opened.
“In front or back, he’s a good horse. The winning horse is an excellent horse. If my horse breaks well, the race could be different,” Sano said. “The good news after the race is that he is a good horse, either in front or from behind.”
The simplification will be shown on March 5 Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2). Sano earns the last $5.5 million Gunnevera finished second in the 2017 Holy Bull competition before the horse won the Fountain of Youth.
