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I hate repeating myself, but Scat Daddy is yet another horse trained by Todd Pletcher, one of the best trainers in the business. The horse is owned by Michael Tabor and James T. Scatuorcio. Tabor was the principle owner of the Arthur Prince chain of betting shops in the UK until selling the business in 1996 for $50 million.
Scat Daddy's sire is Johannesburg and his Dame is Love Style. Both parents can trace their heritage back to Northern Dancer as well as Mr. Prospector, whose descendants have come to dominate the Triple Crown of Horse Racing. In fact he sired 2000 Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus, 1985 Preakness winner Tank's Prospect, and 1982 Belmont and Eclipse Award winner Conquistador Cielo. Johannesburg can also trace back to Storm Cat, and Secretariat.
In the Florida Derby on March 31, 2007, Scat Daddy made his stand going up against his rival Stormello right after they hit the stretch. He was ridden for the first time by Jockey Edgar Prado, the rider of last years Derby winner Barbaro. Prado had six winners on the day.
Four weeks ago, Scat Daddy beat Stormello by a nose in a photo finish. This time there was no question on his win. Scat Daddy won for the fifth time in eight starts at the Florida Derby. Stormello finished fourth.
In an effort to repeat Barbaro's effort of winning the Florida Derby and then the Kentucky Derby after a five week layoff Scat Daddy will not race again until May 5th.
What makes Scat Daddy a contender? He has given strong efforts in all of his big races. He has sprinters speed and the cunningness to relax and pounce as he did in the Champagne. He has one of the best trainers in the business and he has the genes. He now has to prove himself as effective around two turns in the Derby.
