Tapit Trice, the 1-2 favorite, rallied from the rear to win the Grade 3 Tampa Bay Derby and earn 50 points on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard.
Two-year-old champion Forte made his return to action an impressive one as he cruised in the Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park.
Undefeated runners based in the Mid-Atlantic, Recruiter and Howgreatisnate, are among 14 slated to run in Saturday’s Gotham, offering Derby points.
Confidence Game scored an 18-1 upset in the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park to zoom to the top of the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard.
Eclipse Award 2yo winner Forte is nearing a return to action, and trainer Todd Pletcher says he’s “on schedule” to run in the March 4 Fountain of Youth.
Angel of Empire, the longest of three Brad Cox entrants, won the Risen Star Stakes to secure 50 Kentucky Derby points.
Hoosier Philly, the only filly among the individual betting interests, is third in the latest Kentucky Derby future wagering behind “all others” and Forte.
The Todd Pletcher-trained Litigate won the Grade 3 Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs to earn 20 points on the Kentucky Derby trail.
Among the 369 three-year-olds nominated to the Triple Crown series of races kicking off with the Kentucky Derby, six were bred in the Mid-Atlantic.
Bill Mott trainees ran one-two as Rocket Can won the Holy Bull Stakes on the road to the Kentucky Derby.