Florida Derby Hopefuls Work

   Cairo Prince (Pioneerof the Nile), victorious in Aqueduct’s GII Nashua S. last November and winner of this term’s GII Holy Bull S. at Gulfstream Park in his sophomore bow Jan. 25, breezed in company with stablemate GSP Elnaawi (Street Sense) Saturday. The pair covered five furlongs in 1:00 4/5 at Palm Meadows. “He worked very well,” trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said. “We didn’t want another :59 and change [breeze] from him. We put him in different company this time. We wanted 1:01, so that’s perfect.” Acquired by Namcook Stables, Paul Braverman, Harvey Clarke and Craig Roberson III for $250,000 as a KEESEP yearling, a majority interest was sold to Godolphin in early March. He will race in their silks for the GI Florida Derby Mar. 29. “He’s doing great and we’re happy,” McLaughlin added. “We’ll work back next week and be ready for the Florida Derby.” 
    Also scheduled to make his next start in the Florida Derby is Wildcat Red (D’wildcat), who worked a half-mile in :47.98 over Gulfstream Park’s main track under regular exercise rider Paco Mendoza. It was the bay’s first work since annexing the GII Fountain of Youth S. Feb. 22. “The horse went very good,” said conditioner Jose Garoffalo. “I think the track was a little bit fast, but he did it as easy as he usually does. I was expecting maybe :48 or so, but it was good. He is getting fitter and now with every race is getting better. We’re going to breeze him one more time next week and then we’ll be ready, hopefully.” 
    Gulfstream Park Derby winner General a Rod (Roman Ruler) and Fountain of Youth runner-up posted a five-furlong move in :59.50 over Gulfstream Park’s main track Saturday morning in preparation of the Florida Derby as well. “He worked great,” trainer Mike Maker said. “He gave us exactly what we were looking for. He’s an easy horse. He can train himself. If you want to go fast, that’s fine; if you want to go slow, that’s fine, too. We picked it up a little today, and it was no problem at all.”