MORE Than Ready colt Verrazano is the name on everyone’s lips across America after his stunning 16 1/4-lens win at Gulfstream Park in Florida on Saturday.
The Todd Pletcher trained three-year-old was having only his second start in a race after previously running out a 7 /12-lens winner at the same venue on January 1.
His incredible performance last weekend sets the colt up as a potential Kentucky Derby hopeful over coming months.
“That was about as impressive as you’ll see one run. He’s been training really, really well, so we were anticipating a good race and hoping for a good race. You’re going from one out at 6 ½ furlongs and stretching out against some horses with more experience and some stakes form,” Pletcher said. “We were encouraged going into it and even more so coming out.”
The Hall of Fame trainer was unsure of where the colt would have his next start but is mapping out a plan that will see him contest some of North America’s major races.
“Obviously, he’s earned a right to step up into a big one. We’ve just got to figure out the timing of it,” Pletcher said. “We’re a little close to the Fountain of Youth (Feb. 23 at Gulfstream), so it probably won’t be there. We’re just going to have to figure it out.”
Pletcher has enjoyed unparralled success with the breed having trained More Than Ready throghout his illiustrious career.
He also won both divisions of the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile with More Than Real and colt’s winner Pluck, now a resident sire alongside More Than Ready at Vinery.
