by Gulfstream Park Press Release
March 21, 2020
HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Team Valor International and WinStar Farm LLC’s Gouverneur Morris was confirmed for next Saturday’s $750,000 Curlin Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park following a five-furlong workout Saturday morning at Palm Beach Downs.
“He worked as well as he ever has this morning,” trainer Todd Pletcher said. “I think we should take what's in front of us [Florida Derby], assuming they keep running at Gulfstream.”
Gouverneur Morris breezed five furlongs in 1:01.40 while covering the last quarter-mile in 24 seconds.
The 3-year-old son of Constitution, who finished second in the Breeders’ Futurity (G1) at Keeneland last year after winning by nine lengths in his debut at Saratoga, captured a Feb. 14 optional claiming allowance at Tampa Bay Downs in his 2020 debut.
The 69th running of the 1 1/8-mile Florida Derby will highlight a program with 10 stakes, six graded.
Gouverneur Morris is expected to clash with Holy Bull (G3) winner Tiz the Law and Fountain of Youth (G2) victor Ete Indien in Gulfstream’s prestigious Triple Crown prep.