Trained by Derek Ryan, Musket Man earned $180,000 for the win and established himself as a contender for the $2 million Kentucky Derby. The final time for 1 1/16 miles on the fast dirt was 1:43.67, a little more than a half-second off the track record set by Street Sense in 2007.

Join in the Dance, sent off at 35-1, was a clear second, 2 1/2 lengths better than 43-1 Justdontcallmejeri. Nowhere to Hide was fourth in a field of ten 3-year-olds. General Quarters, who won the Sam F. Davis Stakes last month over the same track, broke poorly and finished fifth. Post time favorite Hello Broadway, runner-up in the Hutcheson at Gulfstream in January, was a disappointing seventh.
Musket Man raced mid-pack through the early stages of the Tampa Bay Derby, with Perfect Bull setting the pace through an opening quarter-mile in :24.11. Join in the Dance quickly moved in on the early leader and took a short advantage. He got a half-mile in :48.34 and six furlongs in 1:12.45. Bear’s Rocket was also close up for three-quarters before falling back.

Bred in Kentucky by Jim E. Nelson and Sergio De Sousa, Musket Man is out of Fortunate Prospect mare Fortuesque.

Sent off as the third choice, Musket Man paid $13.80, $7.80 and $6. The exacta (2-7) returned $417.40, while the trifecta (2-7-10) was worth a whopping $10,232.20.