2006 Florida Derby Card

Older fillies and mares traveled 1 1/2 miles on the turf course in the $150,00 Orchid Handicap (G3). Even-money favorite Honey Ryder rallied from fifth early on, well back of the early pace of 1:11.70 and 1:59.76 of 30-1 shot Potra Classica and closed strongly through the stretch to win going away b 4 lengths over 4-1 second choice Olaya. Her running time of 2:23.07 was a new course record. Winning trainer Todd Pletcher said, "I think this is probably the best race she's ever run, which is saying a lot because she's been such a very good, consistent mare. It seems like the older she gets, and more mature she gets, she seems to be able to rate better and better. And that was the key to delivering this performance today." Honey Ryder ships to Keeneland for the Bewitch Stakes.

Results chart