Kentucky Derby Profile: White Abarrio

Saffie Joseph has a good one here in White Abarrio as the Race Day colt i two for two this year following victories in the Holy Bull and Florida Derby. JN Campbell is a big fan...

What a year already … Trainer Saffie Joseph has continued his rise within the conditioning ranks of North America, and he has an impressive runner that arrives at Churchill Downs with much promise. Based in South Florida, Joseph just won the training title for the 1st time during the Gulfstream Park Championship Meet, and that constitutes a very “big deal.”

After 18 seasons, someone finally dethroned Todd Pletcher; for Joseph, it was a dream come true. He entered the September Derby back in 2020 with NY Traffic, but this year his son of Race Day (a sire that ironically was trained by Pletcher) has a legitimate chance. The grey competed in 2 of 3 Florida Series races, winning both the Holy Bull (G3), and the Florida Derby (G1). Ridden by Tyler Gaffalione, he exhibited a strong “stalking” ability, and when his jockey asked the proverbial question … the gears were ready to be employed. In the Holy Bull, he sat just off-the-lead, and won by 4+ lengths.

Joseph decided to skip the Fountain of Youth (G2), and prepare for the FLA Derby. It was a solid tactical move. Pundits questioned the decision, and bettors rewarded rival Simplification with “favorite” status. When the top of the stretch opened, White Abarrio responded, winning at odds of 3/1. I think this is a Derby contender, and it is interesting that Joseph has chosen to wait … shipping the C2 Racing & Milagrosa Stables-owned router on Monday of Derby Week. That might constitute a key decision because it allows the team to focus at their base in South Florida, away from all the hype in Louisville.

I will be using this runner in several ticket combinations, and he will be a solid double-digit price during the post parade on the 1st Saturday in May. Gaffalione just wrapped up the riding title at Keeneland, and he always does well at Churchill. He has a Preakness win to his credit, and a Derby victory is not out of the realm of possibility. This is a top jock … riding for a barn that has much to celebrate …

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