Destin Sets Track Record in Tampa Bay Derby

Twin Creeks Racing Stables’ Destin delivered a second straight stakes win atTampa Bay Downs March 12, this time setting a track record in landing the track’s top classic prep race: the $350,000 Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby Stakes (gr. II). Watch Video

Trainer Todd Pletcher’s horses secured the top two spots as Destin edged past game stablemate Outwork in the stretch of the 1 1/16-mile race, earning 50 points and 20 points respectively on the Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifying points list.

“It was a beautiful trip; he broke sharp out of the gate and put me in good position behind the top two horses. I thought there would be a little more speed, but the way he set out was beautiful,” said winning rider Javier Castellano after Destin completed the 1 1/16-mile test in 1:42.82 on a fast track. “I asked him turning for home and he responded so well. He finished good and the way he galloped out was phenomenal, especially after the (track-record time). The way he’s been doing, he could be a (gr. I Kentucky Derby) horse. He could be destined to win it—who knows?”

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