Bourbon War's Midway connections hope Saturday's Florida Derby will earn him a spot in the Kentucky Derby

Bourbon War during his final pre-Florida Derby breeze at
Gulfstream Park March 22 (Photo by Dana Wimpfheimer)

By Abbey Huffman
University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Media

Midway-connected Bourbon War is looking to earn a spot in the Kentucky Derby with a strong finish in Saturday evening’s Florida Derby.

Bourbon War earned 20 official “Road to the Kentucky Derby” points last time out, when he rallied late to finish second to Code of Honor in the Fountain of Youth Stakes.

Owned by Bourbon Lane Stable of Midway and Lake Star Stable, Bourbon War is No. 11 in Kentucky Derby points, which determine the 20 horses that can enter the May 4 classic at Churchill Downs. The Florida Derby points are 100 for first, 40 for second, 20 for third and 10 for fourth.

The Florida Derby is 1⅛ mile, the same distance as Bourbon War’s previous two races.  The son of Tapit has proven that he can handle the distance and likes the Gulfstream Park surface, with a win and a close second. 

Bourbon War recorded his final breeze in preparation for the Florida Derby on March 22.  He worked a half mile in 49.88 seconds and was ranked 19th out of the 30 who worked the distance that day. 

Trainer Mark Hennig said he was very pleased with the work and likes how the horse has been training since the Fountain of Youth.

The Florida Derby would be the last race before the 1¼-mile Kentucky Derby for Bourbon War. He will break from post position 4 of 11 under his regular rider, Irad Ortiz Jr. He is third choice, with morning-line odds of 7-2.

The Florida Derby field includes Fountain of Youth winner Code of Honor, FOY fourth-place finisher Hidden Scroll (the favorite at 3-1), Holy Bull Stakes winner Harvey Wallbanger, and undefeated Maximum Security.

The Florida Derby is race 14 at Gulfstream Park and post time is approximately 6:36 p.m. The NBC Sports Network will cover the race from 6 to 7 p.m.