Three-year-olds in the spotlight as the Oldsmar oval marches toward the Tampa Bay Derby in March. The day’s sixth race features a six-horse field with Todd Pletcher’s Emmanuel rated the 1-1 choice.
Anyone who watched his victory on debut in South Florida is not surprised. Actually, this is the second time he’s been entered here but was declared several weeks ago when he spiked a fever the day before.
Well, he’s back, and may be back with a vengeance. Note his breeze for this last Saturday and Palm Beach Downs. The half-mile there over the deepish training center was the fastest of 64 sophomores to train that week.
Of course, he’s ready. Can’t doubt that off what Todd pulled off yesterday with Life Is Good. Meanwhile, do check that debut for yourself; Gulfstream Park, DEC 11, Race 7.
Boitano (9-2) has enough talent to force the issue, to what degree we don’t know. But we loved the way Glider (9-2) finished up on the Gulfstream Tapeta, which should have hit tightened enough to make his presence known late.
We’ll take Emmanuel to win, if the early line holds, and boxing the exacta with Glider.
