2024 Florida Derby: Tiz The Law Wins to Enhance Triple Crown Claims

Several oddsmakers now have Tiz The Law as favorite for the Kentucky Derby after a four-length victory in the 2024 Florida Derby.

As one of the major Road to Kentucky Derby Series races, the points gained for winning the Gulfstream Park contest virtually guarantee him a space in the Run for the Roses.

Tiz The Law won’t be contesting the Kentucky Derby anytime soon, however, after Churchill Downs announced they were postponing the first leg of the Triple Crown until September.

A number of measures, including staging the 2024 Florida Derby behind closed doors, have been taken by the various horse racing authorities and racetracks throughout America in order to help combat the global pandemic.

As odd as it was to see Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida deserted on perhaps its biggest raceday outside of the Pegasus World Cup, there was nothing but a good impression made by Tiz The Law in his Derby victory.

Tiz The Law delivers at Gulfstream Park again

Sent off the 7/5 favorite under regular jockey Manuel Franco, he enhanced his career strike rate to 80 percent from five starts with an easy win.

Tiz The Law only needed shaking up to dispute the lead two furlongs from home and riding clear inside the last to add a second Grade 1 to his CV.

He confirmed previous Gulfstream Park form with Fountain Of Youth winner Ete Indien, who was back in third behind the 2024 Florida Derby’s surprise package Shivaree.

The second was an unfancied 80/1, but may have booked his own spot in the 20-runner Kentucky Derby by outrunning those massive odds.

If there is one negative about Tiz The Law heading back to Churchill Downs, it is that his sole career defeat to date came there in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes back in November.

He was only beaten a length into third over an extended mile. The Kentucky Derby is a quarter-mile further than that, however, and the Florida Derby over nine furlongs has proved to be a good trial for subsequent Triple Crown winners.