The Florida Derby

Dateline: 03/13/99

Vicar in the post parade

One of the most important of the Triple Crown prep races is the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park which has turned out 4 of the last 10 Kentucky Derby winners. This year's running was quite an exciting race with very close finish. The Fountain of Youth winner, Vicar, proved he was a legitimate Kentucky Derby contender by coming on gamely in the stretch to win by a nose over Wondertross. Cat Thief, who set or prompted the pace most of the way, faded to third another half length back. Carl Nafger was quit proud of his winner and said "Today he showed me what I wanted, a colt that can sit off the pace and whatever you want to do, he'll do."

5  Vicar        $11.20   $6.20   $3.20
7  Wondertross           $5.60   $3.40
2  Cat Thief                     $2.60

$2 Exacta       $72.60
$2 Trifecta    $165.00
$2 Superfecta  $532.40

Results Chart from Equibase 

Here are a few photos from the race. Click on the small version to see a full sized one.

Vicar in the paddock	Vicar after winning
Vicar headed to the winner's circle	Mr. and Mrs. Tafel with thier trophy
Nafzger, Sellers, and Tafel in the winner's circle	Wondertross the second place finisher

Me in front of the winner's wreath prior to the race

More articles and info:

• Results Chart from Equibase
• Stable Notes from Gulfstream Park
• Florida Derby Stakes Info - nominations for now but will have the program page with past performances and full chart in Adobe Acrobat PDF format when available
• Vicar favored in Florida Derby from Washington Post and AP
• Three Ring's speed could alter Vicar's style from From Fox Sports
• Zito Has 2 Chances at Florida Derby from Newsday
• Huge weekend for 3-year-olds from the Record Online
• Vicar could give Nafzger a shot by Ed Gray from the Boston Herald
• News Index Search to find more Florida Derby articles

Have a comment or question about this topic? Jump on over to the bulletin board!

All photos by the author.

Previous Features