The Grade 1 Florida Derby saw some serious reverses for several tall reputations and left Kentucky Derby hopes in tatters, but not for surprise winner Ice Box.
Nick Zito's 20/1 shot was improving significantly from his first run of the campaign and came from last to first to land the three-quarters-of-a-million dollar event, and wide of the field to deny another unfancied contender, Pleasant Prince.
UK interest ended in dire disappointment as the Royal Ascot winner Radiohead, who used to be trained by Manton-based Brian Meehan, was stuffed out of sight into 9th beaten a whopping 17 lengths. Radiohead was bought by Big Brown's owners and is stabled with that horse's trainer, Richard Dutrow.
Ice Box is now firmly on course for the Kentucky Derby. His trainer was hesitating as to whether Ice Box would have a run prior to the big race at Churchill Downs or not.
Ice Box is currently priced at 14/1 betting odds for the Kentucky Derby.
Americans are recommended one of these sportsbooks:
No.1: Bovada Sportsbook
Non-USA residents should join:
Bet365 Online Bookmaker: No.1 for Kentucky Derby betting for non-USA clients