WinStar Farm LLC, CHC Inc., and Cold Press Racing’s horse Tappan Street, who last made headlines by defeating Sovereignty in the Curlin Florida Derby (G1) on March 29, is set to return to the track in the mile optional claiming allowance race at Gulfstream Park on Friday, December 19.
The 3-year-old son of Into Mischief has been sidelined since suffering a condylar fracture in his right front leg while training at Churchill Downs for the May 3 Kentucky Derby (G1), which Sovereignty won.
“We are thrilled to have him back in the starting gate,” said Elliott Walden, President, CEO, and Racing Manager of WinStar Farms. “We had a plan to bring him back after his injury, aiming for a race in late November or early December. Everything has gone according to plan since his unfortunate injury during Derby week.”
Trained by Brad Cox, Tappan Street was originally set to compete in the $150,000 Harlan’s Holiday (G3) next Saturday, a stepping stone to the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) at Gulfstream on January 24. However, his stablemate Kone will run in the one-turn optional claiming allowance and is expected to have a strong chance against a field of six 3-year-olds and older horses.
“We anticipate a strong performance. While nothing is guaranteed, given his past runs and current form, we expect him to run well,” Walden added. “This is a solid race that’s not overwhelming and a good way to ease back.”
Since November 1, Tappan Street has trained six times at Cox’s winter base in Payson Park, after two training stints at Keeneland to prepare for his comeback.
“After the September sale, we sent him to Keeneland’s early meet where he stayed through October, breezing a few times. When Brad opened the stables at Payson Park, Tappan Street was the first horse to be settled in for December,” Walden explained. “I wanted him to get to Florida early for any necessary adjustments.”
Last season, Tappan Street raced three times at Gulfstream. He debuted on December 28 in a seven-furlong maiden special weight, rallying from just off the pace to win by three-quarters of a length. Purchased for $1 million at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling Sale, he made his stakes debut next in the 1 1/16-mile Holy Bull (G2), where he led strongly before finishing second to Burnham Square by one and three-quarter lengths. Tappan Street earned his biggest payday by narrowly defeating favorite Sovereignty by a quarter length in the 1 1/8-mile Florida Derby.
“We were considering running him at Churchill Downs at the end of the year, hoping for him to be ready by late November. But it seemed best to race him at a track where he’s comfortable and has performed exceptionally well, to minimize risks,” Walden said.
Irad Ortiz Jr. will be riding Tappan Street for the first time in Friday’s Race 7, marking the highly anticipated return of the Florida Derby winner.
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Fan Take: This comeback is significant for horse racing enthusiasts because Tappan Street’s return could shake up key races and spotlight the resilience of top competitors. His performance may set the tone for an exciting season ahead, bringing renewed energy to the sport.
