Audible took advantage of very quick pace and rallied strongly under John Velazquez to win the Grade 1, $1 million Florida Derby by three lengths to solidify his spot in the starting gate for the Kentucky Derby on May 5.

Hofburg, jumping up from a maiden victory here on March 3, finished 7 3-4 lengths clear of Mississippi. It was 1 1-4 lengths back to Catholic Boy in fourth. He was followed, in order, by Millionaire Runner, Tip Sheet, Storm Runner, Strike Power and Promises Fulfilled, the Fountain of Youth winner.

It was the fourth straight victory for Audible, a New York-bred son of Into Mischief owned by WinStar Farm, China Horse Club, Siena Farm, Starlight Racing and Head of Plains Partners. Audible is trained by Todd Pletcher, who won his fifth Florida Derby. Last year, Pletcher and Velazquez teamed up to with the Florida Derby with Always Dreaming who went on to win the Kentucky Derby.

Audible was in sixth, about eight lengths off the pace as Promises Fulfilled was pushed by Strike Power through an opening quarter in 21.95. promises

Audible made a three wide move entering the far turn and was in fourth at the five sixteenths pole. He advanced three wide outside of Mississippi and ran away from that one in the final eighth of a mile. Audible ran his final eighth in 12.52 seconds and covered the 1 1-8 miles in 1:49.48. He returned $5.20 to win.

“I was a little worried when they turned up the backside and he fell back a little bit, it’s not Johnny’s style to let them fall back like that,” Pletcher said. “Once he found his rhythm down the backside and started picking up horses I felt more confident.”

Audible earned 100 qualifying points to the Kentucky Derby and now has 110. Hofburg picked up 40 points which could be enough points to get in if his connections so choose to run.

Promises Fulfilled has 52 points based primarily on his Fountain of Youth victory, but it’s hard to see him advancing to the Louisville off a last-place performance.