2006 Florida Derby Card

The second sprint stakes on the card was the $100,000 Artax Handicap for older horses at 7 1/2 furlongs. 10-1 shot Little Thunder stalked the early pace of 9-1 shot Auguri, then came on strong through the stretch to win by 5 lengths over late charging 11-1 shot Nightmare Affair, finishing the race in 1:27.97. Favored 6-5 Gygistar disappointed in third. Winning jockey Clinton Potts said, "He jumped right up in the bridle. He pretty much dragged me the whole way around. That was unexpected. I can't take any credit for that, because the horse did it all himself." Alex Prado, assistant to winning trainer Dale Capuano added, "We found out about how much he doesn't like two turn a couple of races back. Ever since we claimed him last year, he just keeps getting better and better, and improving. His speed figure last time showed that. He's a nice horse, and he's great to work with, and this race was the payoff for our work."

Results chart