Dialed In gives Zito his 3rd Florida Derby win
April 3, 2011HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (AP) - Dialed In has won the $1 million Florida Derby, likely cementing his status as a major contender in the upcoming Triple Crown season.
Dialed In made up more than 10 lengths to win, covering the mile-and-an-eighth at Gulfstream Park in 1 minute, 50.07 seconds. Shackleford, a 60-1 long shot that went to the lead early and nearly stayed there until the end, was second with To Honor and Serve in third.
It's the third Florida Derby win for trainer Nick Zito, who also became the second to win Gulfstream's biggest race in back-to-back years.
The race is traditionally one of the top preps for 3-year-olds, and this year's edition didn't disappoint. Of the eight horses in the Florida Derby field, at least four are considered likely for the Kentucky Derby on May 7.