Upset Result and a Mishap at Gulfstream : Mercedes Won Wins; Dixieland Brass Hurt in the Florida Derby

Mercedes Won won the $500,000 Florida Derby as favored Dixieland Brass failed to finish Saturday at Gulfstream Park.

Dixieland Brass, who had won four straight stakes, two of them this year, was eased by jockey Randy Romero approaching the final turn and then was pulled up at the top of stretch. The colt, who appeared lame in his left foreleg, walked from the track.

Mercedes Won, ridden by Earlie Fires, took the lead for good the first time past finish line, and went on to a five-length victory--his largest margin of the race.

Western Playboy was second, with Big Stanley another neck back. Hawkster was fourth, 2 3/4 lengths back in the field of 11 3-year-olds.

Mercedes Won carried 122 pounds over the 1 1/8 miles in 1:49 3/5 on a fast track as he charged into the Kentucky Derby picture.

Mercedes Won, owned by Christopher Spencer and trained by Arnold Fink, had finished second, 1 1/4 lengths behind Dixieland Brass in the 1 1/16-mile Fountain of Youth Feb. 18 at Gulfstream.

It was first victory as a 3-year-old for the son of Air Forbes Won. Last year, he won five of nine races, including the Grade I Hopeful at Saratoga.

Completing the order of finish were Silver Sunset, Traskwood, Feather Ridge, Reaffirming, Crown Collection and Triple Buck.

Mercedes Won, a $5,700 purchase at the Keeneland fall yearling sale, paid $32, $11.40 and $6.80. Western Playboy, who carried 118 pounds and was ridden by Pat Day, returned $23.20 and $9.80. Big Stanley, 122 and Jose Santos, paid $6.40.

Mercedes Won’s victory was worth $300,000 and increased his career earnings to $688,502.

Dixieland Brass, who was trying to become the first 3-year-old since Spectacular Bid in 1979 to win Gulfstream’s Hutcheson, Fountain of Youth and Florida Derby, was sent off as the 4-5 favorite.

Romero had the colt seventh behind a wall of horses going into the first turn. He remained seventh going down the backstretch, then suddenly tried to fade from contention.