Barbaro remains undefeated and is heading to Churchill Downs with his perfect record intact after overtaking Sharp Humor down the stretch en route to winning the $1 million Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park.
Despite winning his previous four career starts, Barbaro still had questions to answer in what was expected to be his final prep race before the first jewel of the Triple Crown, Kentucky Derby.
Barbaro registered three of his wins on turf and another here over a sloppy track in the Holy Bull Stakes on February 4. He also drew the 10th post in the 11-horse field, and there were questions regarding whether he could handle the distance.
But Barbaro went off as the prohibitive 8-5 favorite on the fast track, with Edgar Prado in the irons. Prado offered a stellar ride, getting Barbaro out of the gate quickly, where he settled in behind Sharp Humor, who was ridden by Mark Guidry.
"I saw Sharp Humor break sharp, so I just followed him," Prado said. "(Barbaro) was pretty much in control of the race."
Staying behind the stubborn Sharp Humor, Barbaro finally took the lead in the final yards and won by one-half length. Barbaro covered 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.01. Sharp Humor was second and Sunriver came on for third.
Barbaro paid $5.20, $3.60 and $2.80. Sharp Humor returned $5.80 and $3.80, while Sunriver had a price of $3.60.
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posted by Seabiscuit Schmiscuit at 6:45 PM
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