Elysium Fields Draws No. 8 Post for Saturday's Florida Derby

Updated: March 27, 2008
by The Associated Press:

Hallandale Beach, Fla. -- Elysium Fields drew the No. 8 post position for Saturday's $1 million Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park. Elysium Fields, to be ridden by Eibar Coa, is among 12 3-year-olds entered in the 1-1/8 mile race. The draw was held Wednesday, March 26. 

Elysium Fields Readies for Florida Derby

Updated: March 13, 2008
Edited Press Release Courtesy of Bloodhorse.com:

Robert Evans' Elysium Fields, runner-up in last month's $350,000 Fountain of Youth Stakes (gr. II), worked March 12 at Gulfstream Park in preparation for the $1 million Florida Derby (gr. I) Mar. 29. 

Under exercise jockey Kristen Troxell, the son of El Prado worked five furlongs in a 'bullet' 59 seconds over Gulfstream's fast main track. 

"He looked good," trainer Barclay Tagg said. "You try not to get too excited because this business can shatter you at any time, but I wouldn't necessarily change places with anyone right now." 

After breaking his maiden impressively by eight lengths in Florida Jan. 19, Elysium Fields nearly ran down Robert LaPenta's Cool Coal Man in the Fountain of Youth Feb. 24. 

Elysium Fields has never finished worse than third and has been posting weekly drills before and after the Fountain of Youth, pleasing his trainer each time. 

"He's training really good," Tagg continued. "He had his maintenance work last week, and for this one, I was looking for his normal effort, which he gave me. He usually puts in his works, around :59. He might not have the experience of some of the others, but he should move forward."

Elysium Fields Profile (courtesy of Bloodhorse.com)

Trainer: Barclay Tagg
Owner: Robert S. Evans
Breeder: Robert S. Evans

Auction History

2006 -- Keeneland September Yearling Sale -- $275,000

Racing History

Record: 5 Starts, 1-3-1 | Total Earnings: $108,960