How to bet the Tropical Park Derby

An overflow field of 14 three-year-olds will contest the $100,000 Tropical Park Derby at Gulfstream Park on Monday. The deeply competitive field lacks a standout, and I will use a quartet of contenders while spreading my wagers around with them.

I am quite intrigued by the addition of blinkers for capable late runner #7 Fort Washington (15-1), who bagged the Tale of the Cat S. at Monmouth Park three back. The War Front homebred has tailed off following poor breaks in two straight races, and the equipment change seems like a great move for an outfit that has had success with the hood going on numerous times in the past. Jose Ortiz taking the reins is a good thing, as well.

A pair of win candidates from the Todd Pletcher shedrow are worth inclusion for sure. #8 Steady On (3-1) has improved his Brisnet Speed figure in each lifetime try to date, which includes a solid second in the Gio Ponti S. at Aqueduct last time out. The $275,000 son of Pioneerof the Nile possesses both positional speed and a smart turn of foot, and the dark bay colt has trained in positive fashion in advance of Monday, as well. Irad Ortiz Jr. will have the colt well placed turning for home.

#2 Grand Sonata (7-2), also from the Pletcher barn, has been consistent in 2022 while facing top foes. The Medaglia d’Oro colt is 2-for-2 on the local lawn, with victories in the Kitten’s Joy S. (G3) and Dania Beach S. to his credit. And he is a logical top-three threat with Javier Castellano in the silks. Dark bay colt will stalk the early tempo prior to being asked for his best run at the turn for home.

#11 Venezuelan Triumph (15-1) has compiled a 3-2-1-0 mark on the turf in his career for Victor Barboza. The gelded son of Social Inclusion has won or placed in nine of his last 10 races overall, and if he can transfer his all-weather form to the green, then the dark bay could be dangerous at an expected fair number. Leo Reyes will guide the capable late runner.

Tropical Park Derby Wagers

• $2 exacta box 2,7,8,11 ($24)
• $1 trifecta box 2,7,8,11 ($24)
• 20-cent superfecta 7,8 with 2,7,8,11 with 2,7,8,11 with all ($21.60)