Tappan Street Returns to the Spotlight and Draws All Eyes at Gulfstream Park

The colt who handed Sovereignty defeat in the Florida Derby will be partnered by Irad Ortiz Jr. in a one-mile allowance contest

Tappan Street defeating Sovereignty in the Florida Derby / ADAM COGLIANESE

HALLANDALE BEACH, Florida (Special to Turf Diario) — Anticipation will be sky-high Friday at Gulfstream Park, where Tappan Street, the winner of the 2025 Florida Derby (G1), is set to make his long-awaited return to the races, headlining a nine-race program.

The son of Into Mischief, racing for WinStar Farm, CHC Inc. and Cold Press Racing, will reappear in the seventh race, an optional allowance over one mile around one turn. He will face six rivals and is listed as the clear 4-5 morning-line favorite.

Tappan Street’s Triple Crown aspirations were halted following his Florida Derby triumph on Mar. 29, when he suffered a condylar fracture in his right foreleg during training in the lead-up to the Kentucky Derby (G1). That race was ultimately won by Sovereignty (Into Mischief)—runner-up to Tappan Street at Gulfstream—who went on to add the Belmont Stakes (G1), Jim Dandy (G2) and Travers Stakes (G1) to his résumé.

Trained by Brad Cox, the bay colt has conducted his entire career at Gulfstream Park. He debuted with an authoritative victory over seven furlongs in December 2024, returned to finish second in the Holy Bull Stakes (G3), and then delivered his signature performance in the Florida Derby. Since Nov. 1, he has logged a steady series of workouts at Payson Park, a sign of a deliberately patient and methodical preparation.

A notable change accompanies his return, as Irad Ortiz Jr., perennial riding leader, picks up the mount from post 3, replacing Luis Saez, who partnered the colt in all three prior starts.

“He’s a very classy horse, and Brad always knows how to bring them back ready after a layoff,” Ortiz said.

Adding further intrigue, Tappan Street’s race serves as the fourth leg of Gulfstream’s Rainbow 6, which has gone unsolved for ten consecutive cards and will feature a mandatory payout on Sunday—another factor fueling wagering interest.

Still, beyond the betting, all eyes will be on Tappan Street. Once a defining figure of the classic season, he returns to the spotlight Friday with the aim of resuming an interrupted path—and of proving that his best days may still lie ahead.