The Florida Horse - April/May 2023

CAJUN BREEZE

Congrats / Cajun Dawn, by Awesome Again Fee: $5,000 LFSN

(SW, 8-4-1-1, $229,540)

(SW, 11-2-4-0, $273,075)

(GSP, 14-3-7-1, $284,250) (GSP, 14-3-7-1, $284,250)

77 RUNNERS / 57 WINNERS (74%) 14 BLACKTYPE (18%)

PROVEN

$55 Million for Florida Thoroughbreds

FTBOA Facilitates United Industry Front, Leads to Added Breeding and Racing Money plus HISA Funding

BY MATT BRYAN, FTBOA LOBBYIST

I have good news to report from the halls of the Capitol in Tallahassee. The Florida Legislature passed HB 7063, this year’s tax package, which contains a variety of tax reductions including a bundle of issues related to the Thoroughbred industry. Representative Stan McClain, House Ways and Means chairman, led the effort to include the following in HB 7063 for each of the next two fiscal years:

• $5 million to the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association for awards and incentives.

• $5 million to Tampa Bay Downs for purses and facilities, pursuant to an agreement with the Tampa Bay Downs Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.

• $15 million to Gulfstream Park for purses and facility improvements, pursuant to an agreement with the Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association.

• $2.5 million for Florida-bred stakes and purse bonuses in Florida races.

• Tax credits to the Thoroughbred racetracks to cover costs of Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act assessments.

For those of you working on your calculators, the bill provides a total of $27.5 million in each of the next two fiscal years, for a total of $55 million plus HISA credits. We are thrilled that the Legislature has recognized the economic contributions the Thoroughbred industry provides to the State of Florida and has reinvested in it.

As is always the case with major successes, we have several elected officials to thank. In the House, Representative McClain was the driving force behind this package, with strong support from House Speaker Paul Renner and Representative Lawrence McClure.

On the other side of the Capitol, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo was a champion for the Thoroughbred industry, with Senators Keith Perry and Dennis Baxley in lock step with us

throughout the entire process. Finally, a big thank you is owed to Senate Finance and Tax chair Blaise Ingoglia who agreed to include our issue in the tax package and defended it well against some criticism.

We expect the Governor to sign the bill into law once he receives it.

It is such a pleasure to report this encouraging news. The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, led by CEO Lonny Powell, developed this funding package and was side-by-side with me for the many weeks we worked to make this happen.

Powell said he is appreciative of the work put in by Bryan and thanked the legislators who were instrumental in passing the monolithic legislation.

“This industry is extremely fortunate to have some very determined supporters and leaders in Tallahassee who appreciate our nearly $3 billion annual economic impact to the Sunshine State,” Powell said. “I echo our lobbyist Matt Bryan’s shout-outs to these numerous dedicated and engaged elected officials led by our Speaker, Senate President, Senator Blaise Ingoglia, Representative Lawrence McClure and particularly Marion County’s own Representative Stan McClain who is such a big supporter of the Thoroughbred breeders, owners and farms in our Ocala metro area better known as the Horse Capital of the World®.

“Matt gets our collective ‘Session MVP Award’ for his incredible determination and energy,” Powell added. “This amazing legislative victory could not have happened without him with big assists from Jon Rees and the Smith, Bryan & Meyers firm. FTBOA general counsel Warren Husband played his usual stellar ‘A-Game’ and we had quality support via the home Ocala office with executives Peggy Yost and Steve Koch as well as FTBOA president George Isaacs and his officer team all contributing greatly to this collective effort that included both tracks and horsemen groups’ leadership.” TFH

Lonny Powell | S.Hult Photo

Matt Bryan | File Photo

Florida Focus

Dreaming of Snow Upsets Champion Wonder Wheel in Suncoast

Compiled by Brock Sheridan

Also earns $50,000 Florida-bred win bonus from FTBOA

Florida-bred Dreaming of Snow withstood a stretch long challenge from recently crowned champion 2-year-old filly Wonder Wheel to win the $150,000 Suncoast at Tampa Bay Downs on Feb. 11 at odds of 38-1. The Suncoast, which presented a field of eight

that advantage to a length after a half-mile in :47.07. Dreaming of Snow tried to shake free from her rivals around the far turn as Opus Forty Two moved into second, Ticker Tape Home began to retreat and Wonder Wheel started to advance on the outside.

Dreaming of Snow continued to show the way on the inside into the stretch while Wonder Wheel took second and Grade 2 Demoiselle-winner Julia Shining moved into third on the far outside.

Wonder Wheel and jockey Tyler Gaffalione tried to get by Dreaming of Snow while they raced together down the stretch but the latter fought off her more accomplished rival to win her first added-money affair in 1:40.18 on the track labeled fast.

“I said ‘Put your hands under her, Dear Lord, and carry her on home,’” trainer Gerald Bennett said of Dreaming of Snow’s determined run in the final furlong.

Wonder Wheel finished second, a length-and-a-quarter ahead of Julia Shining in third followed, in order, by Opus Forty Two, Florida-bred Charlie’s Wish, Champagne Calling, Fast Tracked and Ticker Tape Home.

Wonder Wheel earned eight Oaks qualifying points for finishing second while Julia Shining picked up six Oaks points. Opus Forty Two earned four Oaks points while Charlie’s Wish got two points for finishing fifth.

Dreaming of Snow paid $78 on a $2 win ticket.

3-year-old fillies going a mile-and-40-yards on the main track, awarded 40 Kentucky Oaks qualifying points to the first five finishers on a 20-8-6-4-2 basis.

Dreaming of Snow also earned a $50,000 bonus as a Florida-bred winner presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association.

Based on her Eclipse Award championship and victories in the Grade 1 NetJet Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies on Nov. 4 and in the Grade 1 Darley Alcibiades in October, both at Keeneland, Wonder Wheel was made the 1-2 favorite in the Suncoast but she was unable to wear down a stubborn Dreaming of Snow, who won by a neck.

Dreaming of Snow and jockey Samy Camacho shot from post five at the start of the Suncoast to take a clear lead into the clubhouse turn as Display Stakes runner-up Ticker Tape Home gave chase in second and Gasparilla-winner Opus Forty Two was forced to check hard while racing in third on the rail.

Dreaming of Snow had a half-length on Ticket Tape Home coming out of the first turn after a quarter-mile in :24.05 but extended

“[Dreaming of Snow has] been training really well and getting better and better,” Bennett continued. “She went a little backwards during the cold weather but she blew out like a monster [going four furlongs in :46 flat on Feb. 4] and galloped out quick. You had to be on the rail today and I told Samy [Camacho] to put her on the lead and she kept going. She likes this track, so you can’t win it if you’re not in it.”

Camacho said he knew early that Dreaming of Snow had talent, but was surprised at how well she handled the added distance after finishing fourth to winner Opus Forty Two in the seven-furlong Gasparilla at Tampa Bay Downs on Jan. 14.

“I know this filly well and when I got on her in the morning for the first time, I told [Bennett] ‘I have to stay on her,’” Camacho said. “She’s pretty nice but I never thought she would run two turns like this. She came back again when Wonder Wheel came to her.”

Bennett and Camacho had to momentarily wait out a claim of foul by jockey Daniel Centeno on Opus Forty Two, but the track stewards left the order of finish intact.

It was the first stakes victory for Dreaming of Snow, who was also fourth in the $100,000 Sandpiper won by fellow Florida-bred Dorth Vader at Tampa Bay Downs on Dec. 3. However, she had shown promise between her starts in the Sandpiper and Gasparilla when she won a first level, $75,000 optional claiming by eight-and-

Florida-bred Dreaming of Snow n SV Photography

a-half lengths at Tampa on Dec. 17 at six furlongs.

Dreaming of Snow is owned by Team Equistaff LLC and Bennett’s Winning Stable Inc. and she was bred in Florida by Karyn Philipp. By Ocala Stud stallion Jess’s Dream out of Snow Fashion, by Old Fashioned, Dreaming of Snow is a twotime graduate of Ocala Breeders’ Sales having first sold for $35,000 out of the Bobby Jones Equine consignment to Vina Del Mar Thoroughbreds at the 2021 OBS October Sale. She was also purchased by Mary K. Thomas for $60,000 at the 2022 OBS March Sale where she was consigned by Boutte Sales.

Her overall record now stands at three wins from five starts and earnings of $170,850.

Snow Fashion has three winners from three starters with Dreaming of Snow being her only stakes winner. She has an unraced 2-year-old colt, Snowname, by The Big Beast, who stands at Ocala Stud, and a yearling colt, Keep On Snowing, by Bridlewood Farm stallion Valiant Minister. n

Yes I Am Free Defends Title in Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint

Golden Kernel Racing Stable’s Yes I Am Free continued the domination by Florida-breds in the Grade 3 Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint as the 7-year-old gelding won the $125,000 test for the second consecutive year on Jan. 11. Yes I Am Free was the best of five 4-year-olds and older who sprinted five furlongs on the firm turf in the Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint, which has been won by Florida-breds in six of the 13 editions of the race since 2010.

Florida-breds also swept both stakes at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 11 as One Identity won the $100,000 Ladies Turf Sprint earlier on the card.

Ridden by Miguel Vasquez from post four, Yes I Am Free set every fraction while leading by a length-and-a-half through quarter-mile splits of :21.75 and :44.33 as County Final and Carotari pursued together in second.

Yes I Am Free took a clear lead into the stretch before 7-5 favorite Carotari and Joel Rosario made a late run to get second, a half-

Florida-bred Yes I Am Free n Ryan Thompson Photo

Florida Focus

length short of Yes I Am Free in a time of :55.71. Shekky Shebaz was third as Belgrano and County Final completed the order of finish.

Trained by Laura Cazares, Yes I Am Free paid $8.60 to win.

A late bloomer who won his first stake last year in the Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint as a 6-year-old, Yes I Am Free was claimed by Cazares for $62,500 in April of 2021 at the Hallandale Beach track. Two races later, he was third behind winning Florida-bred Warrior’s Pride in the $100,000 Turf Sprint at Gulfstream in July 2021. A fourth-place finish in an overnight handicap on the Gulfstream synthetic course completed his campaign that year before he came back to win last year’s Gulfstream Turf Sprint. He then won the $100,000 Silks Run before finishing off the board in both the $106,000 Get Serious won by The Critical Way at Monmouth Park in May and in the $100,000 Bob Umphrey won by Chasing Artie in July.

He was then given nearly seven months off before returning to win a second level, $62,500 optional claiming going five furlongs on the turf at Gulfstream on Jan. 19 just prior to winning his second Gulfstream Turf Sprint.

“His last race as a very tough race and we were very worried,” Cazares said. “He hadn’t run in a while and we knew he was going to need a race off the layoff. But he fought the entire way. He was not giving up. He showed a lot of heart.”

Yes I Am Free is by Uncaptured out of Yes It’s Valid, by Yes It’s True and has now won 11 of 25 career starts with two seconds and three thirds while earning $553,994. Yes It’s Valid has four winners from five starters with Yes I Am Free as her only earner of black type. She has an unraced 3-year-old full-brother to Yes I Am Free in Hits Different and an unnamed 2-year-old colt by Ocala Stud stallion Awesome Slew. She was bred to Pleasant Acres Stallions resident Gunnevera in 2022 and to Girvin in 2023.

“It feels amazing because I hadn’t won a Grade 3 race before, I didn’t really win any stakes race before, so this guy has done a lot for me and [the owners]. It’s their first horse and look what he’s done for them. He’s done a lot for all of us,” Cazares said. “All the horses do a lot for all of us but this guy has done the biggest so far. It’s great.”

One Identity Becomes a Stakes Winner in Ladies Turf Sprint

Lawson Racing Stables’ One Identity, in her fourth race off the claim and second straight on the grass, got a well-timed ride from jockey Paco Lopez to become a stakes winner for the first time with a half-length triumph over Charlie T in the $100,000 Ladies Turf Sprint at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 11.

Trained by Rohan Crichton, Florida-bred One Identity covered five furlongs in :55.92 over a firm turf course in the Ladies Turf Sprint for fillies and mares, 4-years-old and older.

One Identity paid $8.20 to win.

Claimed for $35,000 last summer at Gulfstream, One Identity was exiting a third-place effort in a second level, $62,500 optional claiming sprinting five furlongs Jan. 18 at Gulfstream in her turf debut, beaten less than two lengths by winner Train to Artemus. That race snapped a two-race win streak for One Identity, both victories having come over Gulfstream’s all-weather surface.

“When she ran the last time, Paco admitted they went too fast and he wanted to relax her a little bit more so that’s what he did,” Crichton said. “It played out well for us.”

Lopez settled One Identity in fourth while saving ground as long shot Florida-bred War of Ages blazed through an opening quarter-mile in :21.42 while pressed from her outside by Charlie T. Lopez waited patiently for room that came when the field straightened for home, splitting War of Ages and Charlie T at the top of the stretch and outrunning a determined Charlie T to the wire.

Mamba Wamba, sent off as the 2-1 betting favorite, finished third followed by Imagery, Stony Point, Moor Strength and War of Ages. Miss J McKay and Spun Glass were scratched. “Paco sat and got a good trip. He decided to go inside,” Crichton said. “He gave up the garden spot outside, but the rail opened up and she got through.”

Bred in Florida by Laurie Plesa, David Melin and Leon Ellman, One Identity has won three of seven starts before being claimed and was second to fellow Florida-bred Spirit Wind in the $100,000 Any Limit sprinting six furlongs on the dirt last winter at Gulfstream. She has now won three of four starts for Crichton, who said he had not looked beyond the Ladies Turf

Florida-bred One Identity n Lauren King Photo

Sprint for One Identity.

“One dream at a time,” he said. “She’s gotten better and better, for sure.”

For her career, One Identity, a daughter of Exchange Identity, by Leriodesanimaux (Brz), has six wins in 11 starts with one second and two thirds while banking $234,460. n

Dorth Vader Strikes With Big Upset in Davona Dale

John Ropes’ homebred Dorth Vader wore down even-money favorite Red Carpet Ready inside the final furlong and won the Grade 2 Davona Dale presented by FanDuel TV at odds of 46-1 on March 4, earning a possible trip to the Grade 1 Longines Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs on May 5.

With jockey Miguel Vasquez aboard, the Florida-bred daughter of Girvin out of Hardcore Candy, by Yonaguska won by four-and-three-quarters lengths ahead of a late-running Guns n’ Graces in second with Red Carpet Ready hanging on for third. The Davona Dale offered a purse of $200,000 to the eight 3-year-old fillies who went a mile around one turn.

Guns n’ Graces earned 20 Oaks points for finishing second while Red Carpet Ready picked up 15 points for finishing third. Fourth-place finisher Infinite Diamond earned 10 points while Florida-bred Lynx was awarded five points for finishing fifth. They were followed, in order, by Positano Sunset, Undervalued Asset and Leave No Trace.

Dorth Vader started well from post nine in the Davona Dale as Infinite Diamond and Red Carpet Ready broke best of all from the two inside posts. But Leave No Trace and jockey Tyler Gaffalione sprinted to the front from the outside post to lead Red Carpet Ready by a head as they finished the first two furlongs in :23.01. Down the backstretch, Dorth Vader chased while racing in fourth but began to edge closer to Red Carpet Ready approaching the far turn.

“I was thrilled down the backside,” trainer Michael Yates said of Dorth Vader’s position after the trainer won his first graded stakes. “I was worried when [Tyler Gaffalione] was lapped outside of [Dorth Vader] that they were going to be able to pinch her back. But as soon as I saw her ease through the hole, I felt really good.”

Red Carpet Ready finished the half-mile in :45.06 and tried to shake free from Dorth Vader with Undervalued Asset another length-and-a-half farther back in third. But Dorth Vader continued to make up ground in the turn and was on even terms to the outside of Red Carpet Ready when they hit the top of the stretch after three-quarters in 1:10.02.

Dorth Vader and Red Carpet Ready fought it out until they

passed the eighth-pole when the former drew clear to win in 1:37.23 on the fast track.

“[Yates] told me to put her among the leaders in the pace from the start, so I gave her a long warm-up to get her interested from the beginning,” Vasquez said. “I didn’t have to use her much even though the pace was strong. I am really grateful.”

Dorth Vader paid $95.40 to win and is the first Florida-bred winner of the Davona Dale since Yara in 2012, who won at odds of 64-1.

“I was confident in her,” Yates said. “I thought she would run a really big race because of the way she had trained. I kind of drew a line through the Tampa race. That’s happened to me more than

once. It rained really hard the day before and it was kind of a heavy track, so we just drew a line through it.”

In her most recent start before the Davona Dale, Dorth Vader was sixth, beaten nearly 12 lengths by winner Opus Forty Two in the $50,000 Gasparilla going seven furlongs at Tampa on Jan. 14.

“[The first graded stakes victory] is a great feeling,” Yates said. “It hasn’t really sunk in yet, to be honest with you.”

Dorth Vader, who won the $75,000 Juvenile Sprint against fellow Florida-breds at Gulfstream in October and the $100,000 Sandpiper at six furlongs at Tampa Bay Downs on Dec. 3, earned her third career stakes and first graded stakes with the Davona Dale score.

Dorth Vader was also third to Atomically and Lynx in last summer’s $400,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes My Dear Girl. Atomically scratched from the Davona Dale while Lynx finished fifth.

Although Dorth Vader won the Davona Dale at long odds, Yates said they will consider the Kentucky Oaks.

Florida-bred Dorth Vader n Lauren King Photo t

Florida Focus

“We’re dreaming of it [Kentucky Oaks]. Why not? Right now, we’re just going to enjoy today and see how she comes out of the race and move forward. We’ll talk to Mr. Ropes about it, and we’ll make a decision. She’ll help us decide.

“I don’t see why she won’t [go two turns]. She ran a decent two turns as a 2-year-old in the [Florida Sire Stakes]. She wasn’t what I would consider really prepared, but they don’t move the dates, so you’ve got to go do it.”

Hardcore Candy has produced five winners from six runners with Dorth Vader her only black type winner. She has also produced, Theforcebewithyou, an unraced 2-year-old filly by Air Force Blue and an unnamed yearling filly by Ocala Stud stallion Adios Charlie.

Dorth Vader is the thirteenth Florida-bred winner of the Davona Dale going back to Miss Legality in 1992. Others include Lunar Spook (1993), Cut the Charm (1994), Mia’s Hope (1995), Plum Country (1996), Glitter Woman (1997), Three Ring (1999), Ms Brookski (2002), Bsharpsonata (2008), Amen Hallelujah (2010), R Heat Lightning (2011) and Yara. n

Florida-Bred Princess Bettina Dominant in China Doll

Although she had been running from off the pace in all of her recent races, the Peter Eurton-trained Princess Bettina took charge in the run to the first turn and never looked back as she cruised to a fourand-a-quarter lengths win in the $100,000 China Doll at Santa Anita on March 18. Ridden for the first time in the afternoon by European legend Frankie Dettori, she is owned and was bred in the Sunshine State by Donald Dizney, and got one mile on turf in 1:36.19.

Breaking from post five in a field of six, Princess Bettina easily cleared Havana Angel to her inside and with

the rest of the field content to take back early, Dettori was left to his own devices up front and he made the most of the opportunity.

“I had no plans,” said Dettori. “I rode the filly the other morning and I told Pete that I thought she was quite useful, she’s a little bit hot. She broke well. Nobody wanted the lead, so I took it. I got her into a nice rhythm into the backstretch and as soon as we got to the quarter pole, she kicked and found a new gear, it was all over.”

Most recently a troubled third, beaten one length going a mile on turf here in the Lady of Shamrock Stakes Feb. 12, Princess Bettina was the third choice among a field of sophomore fillies at 5-2 and paid $7.40.

By Will Take Charge out of the First Dude mare Aiden’s Girl, Princess Bettina notched her first stakes win and now has two wins and three third place finishes from seven starts. With the China Doll winner’s share of $60,000, she increased her earnings to $131,660.

“She’s always quick and she’s always been a (nervous) filly,” said Eurton. “She’s always been kind of taken back a little bit (in her races). In her sprint races on dirt, she showed a lot of speed and just didn’t have any finish to her, but the two turns and grass seems to have done her a world of good.”

The 3-2 favorite with Umberto Rispoli, two-time stakes winner Comanche Country (Ire) put in a good late run to finish one length in front of Tea N Conversation. n

Clapton Rocks Ghostzapper With 21-1 Hit

Clapton ran down leader O’Connor (Chi) around the far turn and those two raced nose and nose down the stretch before Florida-bred Clapton pulled away in the final sixteenth to upset the $180,000 Ghostzapper (Grade 3) at odds of 21-1 at Gulfstream Park on April 1.

The Ghostzapper, for older horses going a mile-and-a-sixteenth on the main track, was one of 10 stakes worth a total of $2.35 million in purses on the undercard for the $1 million Curlin Florida Derby presented by Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms at Xalapa (G1) won by Forte.

Trained by Juan Alvardo and ridden by Emisael Jaramillo, Arindel homebred Clapton started evenly from post six in the field of seven but was last going around the clubhouse turn as longshot Surly Furious led O’Connor (Chi) by a length while running the first two furlongs in :24.38 on the fast track.

Surly Furious led by a half-length ahead of O’Connor on the rail down the backstretch as Clapton began to pass horses with resolution while racing in the five path and was third, just to the outside of O’Connor and Surly Furious after a half-mile in :48.79. O’Connor took over around the far turn and Surly Furious backed

Florida-bred Princess Bettina n Benoit Photo

out of contention but Clapton ranged up to challenge for the lead with three furlongs to go.

Clapton and O’Connor hit the top of the stretch in tandem after six furlongs in 1:12.22 and were heads apart to the sixteenth pole where Clapton took a halflength advantage under the wire in a final time of 1:42.94. O’Connor held on for second, three-and-three-quarter lengths ahead of Surly Furious in third. Twelve Volt Man, Florida-breds Simplification and Cajun’s Magic then First Captain completed the order of finish.

“A graded-stakes win for Arindel, connections that thank God have supported me for a long time,” Jaramillo said. “I love this horse. I went to the barn several times to request the chance with him again, a horse that I have ridden since he was a baby, since he was a 2-year-old, so I had a lot of faith in him.

“The homestretch was mano a mano with Irad [Ortiz Jr. on O’Connor], the type of race and show fans come to watch. He’s a great jockey, a great person and a great friend, and he shook hands and congratulated me after the race.”

Clapton paid $44.40 to win.

“[Clapton] had to run against tough horses all winter. His last race [when third to Milliken in a second level, $62,500 optional claiming on March 12] there was no pace but he came back good and we were planning on giving him a little bit of a break,” Arindel’s Brian Cohen said. “But early this week, he was really training super and the race came up looking short. His form was good and he looked good, he’s a big horse that carries a lot of weight so we decided to enter. Then he worked super on Sunday [five furlongs in 1:00.40 on March 26] and it gave me a lot of confidence coming into this race. I thought maybe it might be too short coming back this fast but we’re Florida people and we’re going to be staying here. So we thought if the allowance race doesn’t fill, then maybe we go to the Pimlico Special but we couldn’t really go there after a couple of thirds in allowances. So we said let’s try,

and he’s doing well, and maybe he can hit the board and give us enough confidence to try a race like the [Pimlico Special] or maybe something bigger because he has so much talent. We’re just so happy to win a big one on a big day here.

Clapton earned $116,400 with the victory, which included a $25,000 Florida-bred Win Bonus presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners Association.

“The bonus was great and that was part of the decision to run,” Cohen added. “We’re obviously a big part of the Florida-bred program and we believe in it and we’ll always be Florida-bred through and through and we try to enter as many as we can on these big days. You know it’s tough running against these big guys in the winter but we wanted to try it and we’re glad we could get some of it.”

Clapton has now won five of 20 career starts with three seconds and five thirds while earning $427,890. Clapton is by Arindel stallion Brethren out of Alexandra Rylee, by Afleet Alex.

“[Brethren] has given us everything,” Cohen said. “He’s given us runners – long, short, turf. [They’re all] just runners. They want to run. He’s been great. Clapton, race after race, he just tries his hardest.”

Alexandra Rylee, winner of the 2010 Brandywine at Philadelphia Park, has five winners out of five starters from eight foals and Clapton is her only graded stakes or stakes winner. Clapton is, however, a full brother to 3-year-old Knox, who was third in the 2022 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes In Reality behind winner Awesome Strong. Alexandra Rylee also has a yearling filly by Brethren and was bred to the star Arindel stallion in 2022. TFH

“The [FTBOA] bonus was great and that was part of the decision to run. We’re obviously a big part of the Florida-bred program and we believe in it and we’ll always be Florida-bred through and through.”

– Brian Cohen

Florida-bred Clapton n Lauren King Photo

Photo by Ryan Thompson

BY JOANN GUIDRY

Eight accomplished racehorses make up the outstanding group of 2022 Florida-bred champions. Collectively, they won 16 black-type stakes, including seven graded stakes. Five of the eight were graded stakes winners: Simplification, Midnight Stroll, Hot Peppers, Our Flash Drive and Golden Pal. Our Flash Drive and C Z Rocket were crowned multiple Florida-bred champions.

Lynx and Our Flash Drive were homebreds raced by their breeders. Awesome Strong, Midnight Stroll, Hot Peppers and C Z Rocket were sold at public auction. C Z Rocket would later be claimed by his current owners. Golden Pal, who initially raced for his breeder, was sold privately; Simplification was also sold privately.

Three of the eight Florida-bred champions are by Florida-based stallions: Awesome Strong (Awesome Slew), Lynx (Brethren) and Hot Peppers (Khozan).

The 2022 Florida-bred champions were determined by points accumulated in black-type stakes competition during the yearlong FTBOA Chase to the Championship. The FTBOA-registered Florida-bred with the most points in each division on Dec. 31 is deemed the champion of that division. Bonus points are awarded for special Florida-bred stakes races and an FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes series sweep. Year-end point ties are broken by gradedstakes earnings. Any Eclipse Award and/or Breeders’ Cup winner is automatically recognized as division champion regardless of points standings. Horses must win at least one race during the year to be eligible for championship honors. t

SIMPLIFICATION

2019 bay colt by Not This Time – Simply Confection, by Candy Ride (Arg)

Breeders: France & the late Irwin Weiner

Owners: Tami Bobo & Tristan de Meric

Trainer: Antonio Sano

2022 Race Record/Earnings

10-2-1-3/$761,300

2022 Black-Type Stakes Record

1st – Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2)

1st – Mucho Macho Man Stakes (L)

2nd – Holy Bull Stakes (G3)

3rd – Florida Derby (G1)

3rd – West Virginia Derby (G3)

3rd – Harlan’s Holiday Stakes (G3)

SIMPLIFICATION

FLORIDA-BRED HORSE OF THE YEAR

2022 FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION 3-YEAR-OLD COLT

Simply put, Simplification had a Florida-bred championship caliber season in 2022. He made his presence known at most of the major races for 3-year-old colts, snagging a couple of big wins along the way.

Simplification had been more than impressive as a juvenile when he broke his maiden by 16 ³/₄ lengths. He also showed his natural speed, posting a winning time of 1:09.81 in that victory. And his first start as a sophomore validated that preview of an outstanding racehorse

The $150,000 Mucho Macho Man was a great way to begin the New Year for Tami Bobo’s Simplification. He broke very well and sped into the lead with fractions of :23.70 and :45.81. When Skippylongstocking and Mr Rum Runner moved up to challenge him, Simplification shrugged them off and widened his lead. He won by four lengths with Strike Hard second and Mr Rum Runner third. Simplification’s winning time for the mile was 1:35.04.

In his first graded stakes start, the Holy Bull Stakes (G3) on Feb. 5 at Gulfstream Park, Simplification ran into a bit of bad luck with a poorbreak from the gates. The Antonio Sano trainee made a furious late charge but finished second to White Abarrio. Mo Donegal was third.

A month later, Simplification’s luck improved with his first graded-stakes victory in the Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth (G2). This time, he broke well but bided his time as Markhamian took the lead. Just past the six-furlong marker, Simplification rallied six-wide around the far turn. Simplification made it look easy, winning by three-and-a-half-lengths. Winning time for the mile-and-one-sixteenths was 1:44.04.

In the Curlin Florida Derby (G1) on April 2 at Gulfstream Park, Simplification once again ran into his nemesis White Abarrio. He battled gamely, briefly took the lead nearing the half-mile pole but could not hold off White Abarrio and finished third. He next went into the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) on May 7 at Churchill Downs now co-owned by Tami Bobo and Tristan de Meric. Simplification finished fourth to 80-1 longshot Rich Strike. Following the Run for the Roses, Simplification was third in the West Virginia Derby (G3). He closed out his sophomore season with a third in the Harlan’s Holiday (G3) on Dec. 31 at Gulfstream Park. On the season, he posted two wins, a listed and a graded, a graded-stakes second and three graded-stakes thirds, in 10 starts. He earned $761,300 on the year.

A 2019 bay colt by Not This Time out of Simply Confection, by Candy Ride (Arg), Simplification was bred by France and the late Irwin Weiner. Consigned to the 2019 Keeneland November sale, Simplification was a RNA at $50,000.

Photo by Ryan Thompson

MIDNIGHT STROLL

2022 FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION 3-YEAR-OLD FILLY

Midnight Stroll posted a stellar 2022 Florida-bred championship season. In but six starts, she notched wins in both a graded and a listed stakes while also being graded stakes-placed twice.

After breaking her maiden by two-and-a-half lengths on Feb. 26 at Tampa Bay Downs, Midnight Stroll moved right into black-type stakes company in her next outing. In the Stonehedge Farm South Sophomore Filles on March 27 at Tampa Bay Downs, Midnight Stroll posted a gate-to-wire win. She was much the best by three and a quarter lengths over Rapturous. Outfoxed was third. Midnight Stroll stopped the clock in 1:23.12 for the seven furlongs.

Midnight Stroll then hit the road, starting at four different tracks with good results. In the Delaware Oaks (G3) on July 2 at Delaware Park, she proved her mettle. Breaking a step behind, Midnight Stroll raced in midpack on the inside before moving into the two path on the turn. She began passing horses from the three path in the upper stretch. Taking the lead, she held off a charging Shotgun Hottie to prevail by a head. Morning

Midnight Stroll closed out her sophomore season with a pair (G3) at Charles Town and Raven Run Stakes (G2) at KeeneStables, R.A. Hill Stable and Steven Schoenfeld, Midnight

A 2019 bay filly by Not This Time out of Midnight Magic, by Midnight Lute, Midnight Stroll was bred by Dr. Carolin Von Rosenberg DVM. Consigned by Abbie Road Farm to the 2020 OBS October yearling sale, Midnight Stroll was purchased for $225,000 by Tonja Terranova,

Gatsas Stables, R.A. Hill Stable & Steven

Stonehedge Farm South Sophomore Fillies

Photo by SV Photography

Breeder: John B. Penn

Owner: CSLR Racing Partners

Trainer: Jorge Delgado

2022 Race Record/Earnings

4-4-0-0/$458,000

2022 Black-Type Stakes Record

1st – FTBOA Florida Sire In Reality Stakes

1st – FTBOA Florida Sire Affirmed Stakes

1st – FTBOA Florida Sire Dr. Fager Stakes

AWESOME STRONG

2022 FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION 2-YEAR-OLD COLT

On the strength of an undefeated season and an FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes series sweep, Awesome Strong garnered a Florida-bred champion title. Awesome Strong indeed showed his potential strength as a racehorse, breaking his maiden by six lengths at first asking on May 6 at Gulfstream Park. He covered the four and a half furlongs in :51.62. Owner Elena Racing had purchased the colt for $30,000 from the consignment of Sue Vacek at the 2021 OBS October yearling sale.

Ten days after Awesome Strong’s impressive maiden-breaking win, Elena Racing consigned him to the 2022 Fasig-Tipton May Digital Sale. Purchased by Bill Childs, Awesome Strong was the sales topper at $500,000. Awesome Strong would race the remainder of his juvenile season for CSLR Racing Partners.

Awesome Strong made his first start for his new owners in the $100,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Dr. Fager on Aug. 6 at Gulfstream Park. His eyebrow-raising gate-to-wire victory proved that he had been a good purchase. Awesome Strong was much the best, winning by four-and-three-quarter lengths. Turbo was second with Cajun Hope nabbing third. Winning time for the six furlongs was 1:11 flat.

Next up was the $200,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Affirmed on Sept. 3 at Gulfstream Park. Breaking well, Awesome Strong stalked the pace three-wide and then took the lead near the three-eighths pole. After that, it was all the Awesome Strong show as he won by three lengths with Turbo second. Apocalypso was third. Winning time for the seven furlongs

Awesome Strong put himself into the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes series history books in the $400,000 In Reality on Oct. 1 at Gulfstream Park. After a slower break than usual, Awesome Strong settled into fourth and was bumped entering the first turn. He held steady, tracking the pace fourwide between horses while improving his position. Under strong urging, Awesome Strong grabbed the lead near the quarter-pole and rallied to a hardearned victory. He bested Tigre by a length and a half with Knox getting the show money. Winning time for the mile and one-sixteenth was 1:47.09.

With the In Reality win, Awesome Strong became the 10th horse to sweep the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes series’ colts and geldings division. He combined margin of victory was nine-and-a-quarter lengths. Trained by Jorge Delgado, Awesome Strong banked $458,000 on four wins in four starts.

Bred by John B. Penn, Awesome Strong is a 2020 chestnut colt by Ocala Stud stallion Awesome Slew out of Pleasant Ring, by Pleasant Tap. Awesome Strong was Awesome Slew’s leading earner on the season.

Pleasant Ring, by Pleasant Tap

Photo by Ryan Thompson

LYNX

2022 FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION 2-YEAR-OLD FILLY

Sleek and fast like her namesake, Arindel homebred Lynx proved precocity pays off with a Florida-bred championship crown.

Lynx won at first asking, breaking her maiden by a length-andthree-quarters on May 19 at Gulfstream Park. She also flashed some speed, stopping the clock in :58.65 for the five furlongs. Lynx seemed to be the perfect kind of juvenile filly for the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes series and that prediction was correct.

The Carlos A. David trainee’s next appearance in the $100,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Desert Vixen on Aug. 6 at Gulfstream Park didn’t disappoint. She raced in sixth until around the far turn and slowly gained ground on leader Gemma’s Curls. Lynx rallied on the outside, overtaking Gemma’s Curls to win by a length and a quarter. Trust Me was third. Winning time for the six furlongs was 1:12.53.

Next up for predatory Lynx was the $200,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Susan’s Girl on Sept. 3 at Gulfstream Park. Again stalking her rivals, Lynx charged from fifth on the turn to win by four and three-quarter lengths over Guardian Angel. Cajun Tease came in for the show money. Lynx stopped the clock in 1:25.79 for the seven furlongs.

With a possible FSS sweep on the line in the $400,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes My Dear Girl on Oct. 1 at Gulfsteam Park, Lynx ran her typical come-from-behind race. But this time she wasn’t able to catch winner Atomically, who won by six-and-a-quarter lengths. Lynx had to settle for second best in her only defeat on the season.

A 2020 bay filly by Arindel stallion Brethren out of Darby Rose, by Red Bullet, Lynx recorded an outstanding juvenile season. On four starts, Lynx notched three wins, including two stakes, and one stakes second, in but four starts. She banked $303,000.

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LYNX

2020 bay filly by Brethren – Darby Rose, by Red Bullet

Breeder/Owner: Arindel

Trainer: Carlos A. David

2022 Race Record/Earnings

4-3-1-0/$303,000

2022 Black-Type Stakes Record

1st – FTBOA Florida Sire Susan’s Girl Stakes

1st – FTBOA Florida Sire Desert Vixen Stakes

2nd – FTBOA Florida Sire My Dear Girl Stakes

Photo by Ryan Thompson

HOT PEPPERS

2019 bay filly by Khozan – Friends Pro, by Friends Lake

Breeders: Brent & Crystal Fernung

Owners: Michael Dubb & Michael J. Caruso

Trainers: Rudy R. Rodriguez & Ronald Spatz

2022 Race Record/Earnings

8-5-1-0/$381,500

2022 Black-Type Stakes Record

1st – Victory Ride Stakes (G3)

1st – Jersey Girl Stakes (L)

2nd – Test Stakes (G1)

2022 FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION FEMALE SPRINTER

No matter where she ran, Hot Peppers managed to spice things up on her way to cooking up a Florida-bred championship title.

In but her second career start, Hot Peppers garnered some attention with a rousing maidenbreaking win by 14 ¹/₄ lengths. She also displayed her speed, posting a winning time of 1:03.25 for the five-and-a-half furlongs on Jan. 6 at Gulf-stream Park. In her initial win, she was owned by trainer Ronald Spatz, Tom Cannell and Debbi Gagne. Sold privately after her maiden win to Michael Dubb, Hot Peppers then posted back-to-back wins in an allowance and an optional claiming allowance.

By the time she started in the $145,500 Jersey Girl on June 12 at Belmont Park, Hot Peppers was owned by Dubb and Michael J. Caruso. She also had a new trainer in Rudy R. Rodriguez. Hot Peppers rewarded her new team with a wire-to-wire victory by six-and-three-quarter lengths over Stand Up Comic. Sweet Solare was third. In posting her first black type win, Hot Peppers stopped the clock in 1:10.24 for the six furlongs.

Just shy of a month later, Hot Peppers garnered her initial graded-stakes win in the Victory Ride Stakes (G3) on July 9 at Belmont Park. Hot Peppers broke slightly off, brushed with Sterling Silver, and raced three-wide around the turn. She moved into the lead at the top of the stretch and held off Half Is Enough to win by three-quarters of a length. Sterling Silver finished third.

Hot Peppers added to her black-type resume with a second to Chi Town Lady in the Test (G1) on Aug. 6 at Saratoga. On the season, Hot Peppers posted five wins, one graded stakes and one stakes, and one Grade I second in eight starts. She earned $381,500 on the season.

Consigned by Journeyman Bloodstock Services to the 2020 OBS October yearling sale, Hot Peppers sold for $40,000 to De Meric Sales. The latter then consigned the filly to the 2021 OBS June juvenile sale, where she was bought for $16,000 by Ronald Spatz.

Bred by Brent and Crystal Fernung, Hot Peppers is a 2019 bay filly by Khozan out of Friends Pro, by Friends Lake. Khozan, who stands at the Fernungs’ Journeyman Stud, was the leading Florida sire in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Photo by Coglianese

C Z ROCKET

2022 FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION OLDER MALE 2022 FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION MALE SPRINTER

It was deja vu all over again for C Z Rocket, who as an 8-year-old gelding picked up yet another pair of Florida-bred championship titles. In 2020, as a 6-year-old gelding, C Z Rocket was also the Florida-bred champion older male and champion male sprinter.

C Z Rocket opened up his sixth racing season with a third in an allowance optional claiming race on Jan. 14 at Oaklawn Park. He then followed that with a win in an optional claiming allowance race on July 23 at Del Mar. Now warmed up, the grand old runner moved into graded-stakes company.

In the Santa Anita Sprint Championship (G2), C Z Rocket flashed his speed and class. Breaking slowly, C Z Rocket trailed the early leaders on the inside. But his afterburners kicked in going into at the top of the stretch to make his charge at leader Howbeit. But in a three-horse finish, C Z Rocket just missed by a nose to finish second. Super Ocho (Chi) was another nose back in third.

Next up was the Qatar Racing Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) on Nov. 5 at Keeneland. Again breaking back, C Z Rocket chased the pace early before briefly moving into the lead in the stretch. But in deep stretch, he was overtaken by Elite Power, who won by a length-and-a-quarter in 1:09.11. C Z Rocket was second by a length-and-a-quarter ahead of Jackie’s Warrior.

Trained by Peter Miller, C Z Rocket banked $441,000 on the season for owners Altamira Racing Stable, Madaket Stables LLC, Gary Barber and Tom Kagele.

A 2014 gelding by City Zip out of Successful Sarah, by Successful Appeal, C Z Rocket was bred by Farm III Enterprises LLC. Consigned by Stephens Thoroughbreds to the 2016 OBS June 2-year-olds in-training sale, he was bought for $800,000 by Frank Fletcher Racing Operations. After winning the 2018 Kelly’s Landing Overnight Stakes at Churchill Downs, he posted no wins in 2019 and began 2020 racing in the claim ing ranks.

On April 30, 2020, trainer Peter Miller claimed fifth-placed C Z Rocket for $40,000 on behalf of Tom Kagele. C Z Rocket became a graded-stakes winner for his current owners when he won the 2020 Pat O’Brien Stakes (G2). To date, C Z Rocket has career earnings of $1,952,641. t

2014 bay gelding by City Zip – Successful Sarah, by Successful Appeal

Breeder: Farm Enterprises III LLC

Owners: Altamira Racing Stable, Madaket Stables LLC, Gary Barber & Tom Kagele

Trainer: Peter Miller

2022 Race Record/Earnings

5-1-2-1/$441,000

2022 Black-Type Stakes Record

2nd – Breeders’ Cup Sprint Stakes (G1)

2nd – Santa Anita Sprint Championship Stakes (G2)

Photo by Benoit

C Z ROCKET

OUR FLASH DRIVE

2018 bay filly by Ghostzapper – Dynamotor, by Dynaformer

Breeder: Live Oak Stud

Owner: Live Oak Plantation

Trainer: Mark Casse

2022 Race Record/Earnings

7-2-3-1/$255,023

2022 Black-Type Stakes Record

1st – Bessarabian Stakes (G2)

1st – Del La Rose Stakes (L)

2nd – Beaugay Stakes (G3T)

2nd – Ontario Matron Stakes (G3)

2nd – Pleasant Acres Stallions Distaff Turf Stakes

3rd – Nassau Stakes (G2T)

OUR FLASH DRIVE

2022 FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION OLDER FEMALE

2022 FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION FEMALE TURF HORSE

Our Flash Drive garnered a pair of Florida-bred championship titles by being a talented and versatile runner. She alternated from turf to dirt competition with ease, winning on both surfaces.

Charlotte Weber’s Live Oak Plantation homebred began the season with a skein of stakes-placings in turf races at three different tracks. Our Flash Drive was second in the Pleasant Acres Stallions Distaff Turf Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs on March 27; second in the Beaugay (G3) at Belmont Park on May 14; third in the Nassau Stakes (G2) at Woodbine on July 2.

Our Flash Drive then shipped to Saratoga for a start in the $135,000 Del La Rose on Aug. 7 on the turf. Racing in fourth four-wide on the first turn and three-wide on the far turn, Our Flash Drive made her move at the three-sixteenths marker. She took the lead and won by a length over Plum All. Love And Thunder (Ire) was third. Winning time for the mile turf test was 1:35.42.

After a disappointing fifth in the Grade 2 Ballston Spa at Saratoga, Our Flash Drive returned to her homebase of Woodbine. Her next start there was Oct. 22 on the dirt in the Ontario Matron (G3). Our Flash Drive finished a game second by half-a-length to Kate’s Kingdom. Three weeks later, she was back for more on the dirt with a winning results.

In the Bessarabian (G2) on Nov. 12, Our Flash Drive broke well from the gates and settled into fifth. Early leader Hazelbrook took command around the final turn with Loyalty and Sweet Enough pressing her. Now in an all-out drive on the outside, Our Flash Drive took the lead at the six-furlong mark in 1:08.64. Then she powered away from her rivals, winning by five and three-quarter lengths in 1:20.76. Previously a Grade 3 winner in 2021, the Bessarabian was her first in Grade 2 company.

Bred by Weber’s Live Oak Stud, Our Flash Drive is a 2018 bay filly by Ghostzapper out of Dynamotor, by Dynaformer. On the season, the Mark Casse trainee banked $255,023 on two wins, a stakes and graded stakes, three seconds with two in graded stakes, and one third in a graded stakes.

Photo by Michael Burns

GOLDEN PAL

2022 FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION MALE TURF HORSE

After another stellar season, Golden Pal added to his treasure chest of Florida-bred championship crowns. In addition to his 2022 title, he was previously tabbed as the 2020 Florida-bred champion 2-year-old colt and 2021 Florida-bred champion 3-year-old colt, male sprinter and male turf horse.

And as the only Florida-bred to date to win two Breeders’ Cup championship races, Golden Pal will go into the Florida Thoroughbred industry history books as one of the most accomplished and honored Florida-breds.

Golden Pal began the 2022 season the same way he had finished the previous year with a victory. On April 9 at Keeneland, Golden Pal was much the best by four-and-three-quarter lengths in the Shakertown (G2). Johnny Unleashed was second with Gear Jockey third. Winning time for the five-and-a-half furlong turf sprint was 1:02.21.

After an uncharacteristic poor showing in the Grade 1 Kings Stand on June 14 at Ascot, Golden Pal once again returned to form back in his home country. He showed his true champion’s heart in the Grade 3 Troy Stakes on Aug. 5 at Sara toga. Golden Pal prevailed by a head over True Valour (Ire) with Thin White Duke third. Winning time for the five-and-a-half furlongs on the turf was a swift 1:00.2.

Back at Keeneland on Oct. 8, Golden Pal would tally his second consecutive Grade 2 Woodford Stakes victory. Wesley Ward’s trainee led gate to wire, winning by a length-and-a-half ahead of Oceanic with Artemus Citylimits third. Golden Pal stopped the clock in 1:01.39 for the five-and-a-half furlongs turf test, setting a stakes record.

In a twist of bad luck, Golden Pal’s quest for a third Breeders’ Cup victory was dashed when he broke badly in the Turf Sprint (G1) on Nov. 5 at Keeneland. He made a brief rally, but the deficit was too much to make up. Golden Pal finished 10th to Cara vel and as had been previously announced, he was retired to Coolmore America’s Ashford Stud in Versailles, Kentucky.

On the season, Golden Pal earned $526,075 on three graded stakes wins in five starts. He retired with career earnings of $1,825,131 on eight wins, including seven graded, and two seconds in 13 lifetime starts. Most notably, Golden Pal captured the 2021 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) and the 2020 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G2).

A 2018 bay colt by Uncle Mo out of Lady Shipman, by Midshipman, Golden Pal was bred by Randall E. Lowe. He was foaled and received his sales yearling prepping at Ryan Barbazon’s Ocala-based Barbazon Racing and Bloodstock. Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency to the 2019 Keeneland September yearling sale, Golden Pal was an RNA at $325,000. Lowe then brokered a private sale with Coolmore, giving them 60 days to return the colt. When Coolmore did return Golden Pal, Lowe sent him back to Barbazon for his early training. Lowe raced Golden Pal the first half of 2020 before selling him privately to Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor, Derrick Smith and Westerberg.

GOLDEN PAL

2018 bay colt by Uncle Mo – Lady Shipman, by Midshipman

Breeder: Randall E. Lowe

Owners: Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor, Derrick Smith & Westerberg

Trainer: Wesley A. Ward

2022 Race Record/Earnings

5-3-0-0/$526,075

2022 Black-Type Stakes Record

1st – Woodford Stakes (G2T)

1st – Shakertown Stakes (G2T)

1st – Troy Stakes (G3T)

Photo by Keeneland

2022 FLORIDA STALLION OF THE YEAR

KHOZAN

2012 bay horse by Distorted Humor – Delta Princess, by A.P. Indy

Khozan was the leading 2022 Florida sire by progeny earnings with $4,513,950. It was the third consecutive year that Khozan was the leading Florida sire by progeny earnings. He had progeny totals of $3,521,813 in 2020 and $3,671,794 in 2021.

In 2022, Khozan was represented by 147 starters with 78 winners (53%), including 10 Florida-bred black-type horses. Of the latter number, Khozan posted one graded-stakes winner, two black-type stakes winners and seven black-type stakes-placed winners.

Khozan’s leading earner on the season was graded-stakes-winner Hot Peppers, who banked $381,500 on five wins and one second in eight starts. Raced by Michael Dubb and Michael Caruso, Hot Peppers won the Victory Ride (G3) and the $145,500 Jersey Girl at Belmont Park. The Rudy Rodriguez trainee also posted a second in the Test (G1) at Saratoga. Bred by Brent and Crystal Fernung, Hot Peppers is a 2019 bay filly out of Friends Pro, by Friends Lake.

Lure Him In won the Sunshine Turf at Gulfstream Park and was third in the Turf Classic at Tampa Bay Downs. Bred by Stonehedge LLC, Lure Him In is a 2017 bay gelding out of Alluring Lady, by Indygo Shiner. Lure Him In earned $114,375 on one win and two seconds in nine starts on the season, Lure Him In was trained by Robert B. Hess Jr. Me and Mr C, a 2017 bay gelding out of Abiding, by Dynaformer, was bred by Stonehedge LLC. The Michael Maker trainee captured the Mr. Steele on the turf at Gulfstream Park. Raced by Paradise Farms Corp and David Staudacher, Me and Mr C was also second in the Soldier’s Dance and Sam Spear Memorial at Gulfstream Park. On the season, he notched two wins, one second and one third to earn $94,360.

Rounding out Khozan’s roster of Florida-bred black-type stakes-placed winners and their seasonal earnings were: Valenzan Day ($158,000), Sigiloso ($93,245); Warrior’s Battle ($90,200); Foggy Night ($89,950); Don’t Get Khozy ($67,432); Esoteric ($37,540) and Clemens ($17,920).

A 2021 bay horse by Distorted Humor out of the A.P. Indy mare Delta Princess, Khozan was purchased for $1 million by Al Shaqab Racing. Khozan entered stud at Brent and Crystal Fernung’s Journeyman Stud, as property of a syndicate, in 2016. He was the 2019 leading Florida freshman and juvenile sire.

Photo by Serita Hult

2022 LEADING FLORIDA JUVENILE & FRESHMAN SIRE

GIRVIN

2014 dark bay horse by Tale of Ekati – Catch the Moon, by Malibu Moon

Girvin was the 2022 leading Florida juvenile and freshman sire by progeny earnings with $1,910,156. He was represented by 52 starters with 20 winners, including four Florida-bred black-type stakes winners and two Florida-bred black-type stakes-placed winners.

Girvin’s leading earner Atomically, banked $288,000 in two wins and one third in four starts. Raced by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Michael G. Bernard and Harry Colburn, Atomically captured the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes My Dear Girl at Gulfstream Park. The 2020 bay filly out of Shesunbelievable, by Uncaptured, was bred by Tracy Pinchin and Michael Bernard.

Graded-stakes-winner Damon’s Mound was victorious in the Saratoga Special (G2). Campaigned by Cliff and Michele Love, Damon’s Mound earned $147,810 on two wins in three starts. The 2020 bay colt out of San Antonio Stroll, by Stroll, was bred by Cliff Love.

Stakes-winner Dorth Vader, bred and raced by John Ropes, won the Sandpiper at Tampa Bay Downs and Juvenile Fillies Sprint at Gulfstream Park. The 2020 bay filly out of Hardcore Candy, by Yonaguska, had a seasonal bankroll of $206,228.

Stakes-winner Devious Dame proved the best in the Astoria at Belmont Park for owner John Oxley. She posted two wins in three starts to earn $120,560. The 2020 bay filly out of The Shady Lady, by Quality Road, was bred by Ocala Stud, Joseph M. O’Farrell III, David O’Farrell, et al and trained by Norm Casse.

Girvin was also represented by Florida-bred black-type stakes-placed winners Apocalypso, who was third in the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Affirmed, and Miss Georgie, who was second in the Smart Halo at Laurel Park.

A multiple graded stakes-winning millionaire, Girvin entered stud at Ocala Stud in 2019 and stood there through the 2022 breeding season. t

Photo by Serita Hult

2022 LEADING FLORIDA TRAINER OF FLORIDA-BREDS

BY EARNINGS & WINS SAFFIE A. JOSEPH JR.

Saffie A. Joseph Jr. was the 2022 leading Florida trainer of Florida-breds by earnings with $2,396,229 and wins with 64. Joseph trained Florida-bred stakes-winners Shifty She and Lovely Luvy.

Shifty She won the Pleasant Acres Stallions Distaff Turf at Tampa Bay Downs. The 2016 bay mare by Gone Astray out of Perilous Hope, by Strong Hope, was bred by Chris Pallas and George Klein. Raced by Pedigree Partners LLC, Shifty She earned $117,500 on the season.

Lovely Luvy captured the Sunshine Filly & Mare Turf and Ginger Punch, both at Gulfstream Park. Bred by Rustlewood Farm Inc., Lovely Luvy is a 2016 gray/roan mare by He’s Had Enough out of Realgoodlooking, by Unbridled’s Song. She banked $91,205 on the season for owner Sonata Stable.

2022 LEADING FLORIDA TRAINERS OF FLORIDA-BREDS

Carlos A. David was the 2022 leading Florida trainer of Florida-breds by black-type wins with six. David trained Florida-bred stakes winners Lynx, Gatsby, Hot Blooded, Octane and

Lynx was a multiple stakes winner with tallies in the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Desert Vixen and FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Susan’s Girl at Gulfstream Park. The 2020 bay filly by Brethren out of Darby Rose, by Red Bullet, was bred and raced by Arindel. She earned $303,000 on the season and was named the 2022 Florida-bred champion 2-year-old filly. Gatsby, also an Arindel homebred, captured the Sunshine Sprint at Gulfstream Park. The 2018 bay gelding by Brethren out of Star Recruit, by Aldebaran, banked $139,600

Hot Blooded won the Soldier’s Dancer at Gulfstream Park and earned $133,750 for Palm Beach Racing V LLC. The 2018 bay gelding by Declaration of War out of Hot Cappucino, by Medaglia d’Oro was bred by Hallmarc Stallions LLC.

Octane, another Arindel homebred and full brother to Gatsby, posted a win in the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Marion County at Tampa Bay Downs. The 2019 bay gelding by Brethren out of Star Recruit, by Aldebaran, earned $108,480 on the season.

Dangerous Ride was victorious in the Juvenile at Gulfstream Park and had a seasonal bankroll of $98,862. Bred by Palm Beach Racing III LLC and raced by Palm Beach Racing V LLC, Dangerous Ride is a 2020 bay colt by Lord Nelson out of Ride a Wave, by Medaglia d’Oro.

Photo by Lauren King

Photo by Lauren King

2022 JOSEPH M. O’ FARRELL MEMORIAL AWARD

CONSIGNORS: BETH BAYER & BLAS PEREZ STABLES

HORSE: HAVNAMELTDOWN

The 2022 Joseph M. O’Farrell Memorial Award was presented to consignors Beth Bayer and Blas Perez Stables, who sold Flor ida-bred graded stakes-winner Havnameltdown. Bred by Kath erine S. Devall, Havnameltdown was consigned by Beth Bayer to the 2021 Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company October Yearling Sale. A 2020 bay colt by Uncaptured out of Ashley’s Babe, by Put It Back, Havnameltdown sold for $16,000 to Blas Perez Stables. The latter then consigned Havnameltdown to the 2022 OBS April Spring Sale, where he was purchased for $200,000 by Three Amigos.

Raced by Michael Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman, Havnameltdown won the Best Pal (G3) and Bob Hope (G3) in 2022. He was also second in the Del Mar Futurity (G1) on his way to banking $288,000.

The Joseph M. O’Farrell Memorial Award is presented annually by OBS to the consignor(s) of the year’s best Florida-bred racehorse offered at an OBS auction. The award is named after Joseph M. O’Farrell, who was part of the nine-man syndicate that founded Ocala Stud in 1956 and who was a pioneer in establishing public Thoroughbred auctions in Florida.

2022 NEEDLES AWARD

JOHN B. PENN

The 2022 Needles Award was presented to John B. Penn, who as a breeder posted Florida-bred earnings of $683,475 on the season. Penn was represented by 14 starters, who recorded 12 wins, 14 seconds and nine thirds.

Penn, who owns Ocala-based Pennston Farm, bred undefeated multiple stakes-winner Awesome Strong.

A 2020 chestnut colt by Awesome Slew out of Pleasant Ring, by Pleasant Tap, Awesome Strong became the 10th horse to sweep the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes series’ colts and geldings division.

He won the Dr. Fager, Affirmed and In Reality divisions of the Florida Sire Stakes by a combined margin of nine-and-a-quarter lengths.

Campaigned by CSLR Racing Partners and trained by Jorge Delgado, Awesome Strong earned $458,000 on the season. He was named the 2022 Florida-bred champion 2-year-old colt/gelding.

The Needles Award was established by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Own ers’ Association to honor small Thoroughbred operations that have made outstanding con tributions to the Florida Thoroughbred industry.

The award is named after Needles, who was the first Florida-bred national champion (1955 champion 2-year-old colt) and the first Florida-bred to win the Kentucky Derby (1956).

Photo by Ryan Thompson

2022 FLORIDA BREEDER OF THE YEAR 2022 LEADING OWNER

By Florida-Bred Earnings ARINDEL

Arindel was named the 2022 Florida Breeder of the Year by the FTBOA board of directors and was the leading breeder by Florida-bred earnings with $3,050,911, by Florida-bred black-type stakes winners (6), blacktype stakes wins (7) and wins (94). Arindel was also the 2022 Leading Owner by Florida-bred earnings with $1,943,436.

Arindel was represented by six homebred black-type stakes winners, all by Arindel stallion Brethren. Leading the way for the Arindel stable was graded-stakes-winner Key Biscayne and joining her were stakes-winners Lynx, Clapton, Turbo, Gatsby and Octane.

Graded-stakes-winner Key Biscayne won the Robert G. Dick Memorial (G3) at Delaware Park. The 2017 chestnut mare out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare Boa Twelve, Key Biscayne was also third in the Sunshine Filly And Mare Turf at Gulfstream Park. Trained by Juan Alvarado, she earned $177,968 on two wins and one second in seven starts on the season.

Lynx was the leading Florida-bred earner for Arindel, banking $303,000 on the season. The precocious filly won the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Desert Vixen and FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Susan’s Girl at Gulfstream Park. The 2020 bay filly out of Darby Rose, by Red Bullet, also notched a second in the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes My Dear Girl. Trained by Carlos A. David, Lynx was named the 2022 Florida-bred champion 2-year-old filly.

Clapton, a 2019 chestnut colt out of Alexandra Rylee, by Afleet Alex, captured the inaugural Gil Campbell Memorial Handicap at Gulfstream Park. The Juan Alvarado trainee was also third in the Carry Back at Gulfstream Park. On the season, Clapton earned $216,620.

Turbo won the Juvenile Sprint at Gulfstream Park. The 2020 bay colt out of Horah for Bailey, by Doneraile Court, also posted seconds in the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Affirmed and FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Dr. Fager at Gulfstream Park. Trained by Juan Alvarado, Turbo banked $154,828 on the season.

Gatsby and Octane are full siblings by Brethren out of Star Recruit, by Aldebaran. Gatsby, a 2018 bay gelding, won the Sunshine Sprint Stakes at Gulfstream Park. He was also second in the Benny The Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park and third in the FTBOA Marion County Florida Sire Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. In an interesting twist in the latter race, Octane, a 2019 bay gelding, won the FTBOA Marion County Florida Sire Stakes. Both trained by Carlos A. David, Gatsby earned $139,600 and Octane banked $108,480 on the season.

Alan Cohen established 500-acre Arindel in 2004 on what had previously been a Marion County cattle operation.

Photo by Cynthia Graham

2022 FLORIDA BROODMARE OF THE YEAR

SIMPLY CONFECTION

2012 bay mare by Candy Ride (Arg) –Ballado’s Halo, by Saint Ballado

Simply Confection, the dam of Florida-bred graded-stakes-winner Simplification, was named the 2022 Florida Broodmare of the Year by the FTBOA board of directors.

Bred by Frances and (the late) Irwin Weiner, Simplification won the Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth (G2) and $150,000 Mucho Macho Man at Gulfstream Park on the season. A 2019 bay colt by Not This Time, Simplification was second in the Holy Bull (G3) and posted thirds in the Curlin Florida Derby (G1), Harlan’s Holiday (G3) and West Virginia Derby (G3).

Raced by Tami Bobo and Tristan de Meric, Simplification notched two wins, one second and three thirds to bank $761,300. Trained by Antonio Sano, Simplification was the leading Florida-bred earner on the season. He was named the 2022 Florida-bred champion 3-year-old colt/gelding and Horse of the Year.

BRUCE CAMPBELL AWARD KATHLEEN O’CONNELL

The 2022 Bruce Campbell Award was presented to Florida-based trainer Kathleen O’Connell. O’Connell is the most honored Florida-bred trainer with 18 awards to her credit.

The Bruce Campbell Award is presented by The Florida Horse magazine for Outstanding Achievement when deemed appropriate to individuals or groups who have brought honor and prestige to Florida’s Thoroughbred industry. It is named in honor of Bruce Campbell, who headed the nine-person syndicate which bought Dickey Stables in 1956 and renamed it Ocala Stud.

On March 12, 2023, O’Connell became the leading female Thoroughbred racehorse trainer by wins in North America. Florida-bred My Eagle Soars won the fifth race at Tampa Bay Downs that day, giving O’Connell 2,386 career wins. O’Connell co-owns My Eagle Soars with P and G Zambelli Inc.

My Eagle Soars, a 2020 chestnut gelding by Khozan out of Silver Rock (Ire), by Rock Gilbralter, was bred in the name of late Gilbert Campbell and his wife Marilyn’s Stonehedge LLC. O’Connell has trained for the Campbells since the 1990s, including winning 12 divisions of the Florida Sire Stakes.

O’Connell began training on her own in 1981 at Detroit Race Course before moving her operation to South Florida. She has been honored by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association 14 times as the leading Florida trainer by Florida-bred wins. Through her record-breaking win on March 12, 2023, she has started 17,316 Thoroughbreds with 2,386 wins, 2,280 seconds and 2,154 thirds with purse earnings of more than $46 million. TFH

Photo by Cynthia Graham

Munnys Gold Dominates in Stonehedge Farm South Sophomore Fillies Sets Track Record in Spectacular Form

BY BROCK SHERIDAN

Sent off as the odds-on favorite at 2-5, Munnys Gold did not disappoint as she trounced seven rivals in the $100,000 Stonehedge Farm South Sophomore Fillies for Florida-bred 3-year-old fillies. Winning by 17 ¼ lengths in a track record time of 1:20.09 for sev-

out a notch on Munnys Gold and edged away while racing on the rail after finishing the half-mile in :44.30.

As she came out of the turn, Munnys Gold straightened away into the stretch where she launched away from her competition to take a six-length advantage in midstretch before finishing off her record-breaking performance. Dreaming of Snow finished second, a neck ahead of Awesome Pic in third. Dream Concert, Sherlyn Go Go, Pretty’n Awesome, Lynx and Jackie’s Spirit completed the order of the finish.

Munnys Gold paid $2.80 to win.

“She took a step forward from her last race,” Ortiz said of her Jan. 25 allowance victory at Gulfstream. “I wanted to feel what she had early and I felt she was able to relax. When I asked her for some speed, she just took off. She was very impressive in the stretch. Hopefully she stays solid because she has a lot of talent.”

Pletcher was also impressed and said Churchill Downs may be next for Munnys Gold.

“That was a pretty impressive performance. She’s handled each step up in class and each increase in distance without any problem,” he said. “You don’t see horses do what she’s done very often. She broke her maiden going five furlongs by 15 lengths and she won by even more today, so this is very exciting.

en furlongs, Munnys Gold eclipsed the old mark of 1:20.89 set by Florida-bred Win Win Win in the 2019 Pasco.

The Sophomore Fillies is one of six stakes on the 20th Florida Cup Card at Tampa Downs with each stake offering a purse of $100,000 plus a $10,000 bonus provided by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association if the winner is eligible for the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes.

Trained by Todd Pletcher for Robert and Lawana Low, Munnys Gold and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. sat just to the inside of Pretty’n Awesome through the first quarter in :21.79 as Dream Concert raced in third another length-and-a-half back. Pretty’n Awesome and Munnys Gold continued together into the far turn as Pretty’n Awesome tried to get the advantage with five-sixteenth to run when Ortiz let

“We’ll see how she comes out of it and maybe take a look at the Eight Belles at Churchill Downs going seven furlongs on [Longines Kentucky] Oaks Day. Hopefully, she’ll keep stepping up.

“I didn’t see too many other races there today so I don’t know if the track is really fast or not, but regardless, that’s a crazy fast time on any surface.”

Munnys Gold is now undefeated in three career starts and she increased her career revenue to $126,900.

Bred in Florida by Nicksar Farms, Munnys Gold is by Munnings out of Haraawa, by Medaglia d’Oro and the Sophomore Fillies is added to her victories against special weight maidens going five furlongs at Monmouth Park in June and versus first condition allowance fillies over six furlongs at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 23.

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Zydeceaux Rebounds to Take Ocala Breeders’ Sales Sophomore

Stud Carmen Cristina LLC’s Zydeceaux rebounded from a ninth-place finish in the Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby (Grade 2) to win the $110,000 Ocala Breeders’ Sales Sophomore. Six Florida-bred 3-year-olds went seven furlongs in the Sophomore, which also included a $10,000 bonus earned by Zydeceaux as a winner eligible for the Florida Sire Stakes.

Ridden by Samuel Marin for trainer Ramon Minguet, Zydeceaux was heads apart on the lead with Dangerous Ride and Lookin’ Super through the first quarter-mile in :21.96. Midway around the far turn, Zydeceaux began to apply pressure while threewide but could not shake free from his front-running rivals while finishing the half-mile in a still quick :44.59.

As they hit the top of the stretch, Lookin’ Super had a difficult time keeping up while Zydeceaux took a clear advantage at the final furlong marker. As Diamond Cool began to close in from the far outside while taking second, Marin looked under his right arm, gave Zydeceaux a few taps with the left hand and cruised under the wire with a length-and-a-quarter advantage in 1:23.29 on the fast track. Diamond Cool completed his rally to finish second, a length ahead of This Run’s for You in third. Dangerous Ride, Lookin’ Super and Awesome Rey completed the order of finish.

Zydeceaux returned $5.20 on a $2 win ticket as the 8-5 favorite.

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“This guy has a lot of speed, you know, so I was holding him early and trying to get in the best spot to win that race,” Marin said. “When that happened, I was real sure of the win. I just tried to hold him until the last quarter and he did the rest.”

It was the second career stakes victory and second of the Tampa Bay meet for Zydeceaux, who won the $125,000 Pasco over seven furlongs there on Jan. 14. He then finished a solid fifth, less than four lengths behind winner Litigate while stepping onto the Road to the Kentucky Derby in the Grade 3 Sam Davis going a mile-and-a-sixteenth on Feb. 11. He could not muster any Kentucky Derby points in the Grade 3 Tampa Bay Derby won by Tapit Trice at a mile-and-a-sixteenth on March 11 but a return to one turn against fellow Florida-breds in the OBS Sophomore proved to be the formula for success.

“Before the Tampa Bay Derby, Ramon [Minguet] told me he was thinking about this race,” said Jose Carrillo Pujol, who owns Zydeceaux under his Stud Carmen Cristina banner based in Miami Shores. “We had some doubts, but this horse has a lot of class and we didn’t work him too hard, just galloped him up to the race.

“We took the chance today and it paid off. Maybe we can make something more with him now but he will definitely get some rest before he races again.”

Bred by Dee Ellen Cook and Suzette Parker, Zydeceaux has won half of his eight career starts with a second and a third while earning $229,540.

Zydeceaux is a graduate of the Ocala Breeders’ Sales October Sale where Pujol selected him out of the Summerfield consignment for $15,000. t

Drama Chorus Defends Title in Grey Goose Turf Classic

Drama Chorus, who won last year’s $110,000 Grey Goose Turf Classic by a neck after leading gate to wire, used his speed again for another start-to-finish victory in this year’s version of the mile-and-an-eighth test for Florida-breds, 4-years-old and older, on the grass.

Ridden by Alonso Quinonez for trainer Tim Padilla, Drama Chorus jumped out of the starting gate and sprinted to the front as they raced out of the infield turf chute and past the grandstand for the first time. After finishing the first two furlongs in a leisurely :24.22, Drama Chorus took the field of nine into the clubhouse turn while a length in front of Cashier Check in second with Jais’s Solitude and Sir Saffer following from another length back in a joint third.

Drama Chorus continued to lead by a length down the backstretch through a half-mile in :48.81 and was still holding that advantage while completing six furlongs in :1:12.91 on the firm turf.

Drama Chorus turned for home a length in front and was never threatened in the stretch as he went on to win by a length-and-quarter in 1:48.65

Me and Mr. C came on late to take second in the stretch but could not catch Drama Chorus, who finished up in 1:48.65 while a length-and-a-quarter in front. Me and Mr. C was a head better than Cashier Check in third followed, in order, by Sociallongdistance, Jais’s Solitude, Sir Saffer, Lure Him In, King Ramos and Fierce Warrior.

He paid $7.80 to win.

“The pace was slow enough early that it was perfect for him,” Padilla said. “When he cut that corner and opened up about two lengths, I said ‘Game over, boys.’ He (Quinonez) rode him perfect.”

Drama Chorus is now a two-time stakes winner with both victories coming in the Turf Classic. His career ledger stands at eight wins, seven seconds and two thirds from 29 starts and he has credited owner and breeder Peter D. Mattson with $314,857 in earnings.

Drama Chorus is eligible for the Florida Sire Stakes and thus earned the $10,000 win bonus provided by the FTBOA.

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Otago Upsets Favorite in Equistaff Sophomore Turf

Making his first start since October when fifth in a first condition allowance won by General Jim going a mile-and-a-sixteenth on the turf, 12-1 choice Otago upset 4-5 favorite Boppy O to win the $100,000 Equistaff Sophomore Turf for owners Crown’s Way Racing LLC, NBS Stable, Edward Delava and Eli Diamant. Ridden by Antonio Gallardo, the bay colt defeated seven other rivals at a mile-and-a-sixteenth on grass.

Otago started well from post three and Gallardo allowed the bay colt to show early speed while racing to the inside of Swan Lake as those two lead the way out of the infield chute and across the finish line for the first time.

Swan Lake sprinted clear heading into the clubhouse turn with a :23.29 first quarter-mile as Otago held the rail while racing alongside Rudder’s Men in a joint second. Heathguard was just behind them on the rail in fourth as Boppy O tracked in fifth. They kept that order down the backstretch through a :48.19 half-mile as Rudder’s Men moved up to second behind Swan Lake heading into the far turn.

With three furlongs to run, Swan Lake, Rudder’s Men and Boppy O were three across the track on the lead with Otago on the rail behind them and they kept that formation to the top of the stretch. Boppy O took over on the outside as Otago lacked room on the rail until they raced past the infield chute, allowing Otago to use the extra space to surge to the front. Otago hit the wire a neck in front of Boppy O in a final time of 1:42.47 on the firm turf with Swan Lake holding on for third. Anamnestic, Heathguard, Rudder’s Men, Bold Majestic and Third Moon completed the order of finish. Otago paid $27.80 to win.

It was the first career stakes victory for the Kelsey Danner-trained Otago, who was second to future John Battaglia-winner Congruent in the $150,000 Laurel Futurity, which was taken off the turf and run on sloppy main track on Oct. 1 in his only other start against added-money competition. That race came after winning maiden special weight run on a sloppy track after being taken off the turf at Pimlico in September in his second career start.

“We had to kind of rush him up to the Laurel race after he broke his maiden, which probably wasn’t the best thing for him mentally,” Danner said. “At Keeneland, we were trying to get him to back off the bit and settle and he didn’t quite have the concept, so we gave him some time off and took everything kind of slow.”

Bred in Florida by Courtney Meagher and Speightstown Syndicate, Otago is by Speightstown out of Mom’s Deputy, by War Chant and has now won two of five starts with a second and a third while earning $129,225.

Otago was purchased for $375,000 by NBS Stable and John Ballantyne out of the L.G. consignment at last year’s Fasig-Tipton Gulfstream Sale in March after selling as a yearling at Fasig-Tipton July for $150,000.

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Magical Warrior Runs Down Lightening Larry to Win NYRA Bets Sprint

In another upset on the Florida Cup card, Magical Warrior came from mid-pack at the top of the stretch and produced a impressive late kick to win the NYRA Bets Sprint for Florida-bred 4-year-olds and older at six furlongs.

Lightening Larry broke on top from post five and with Powerfully Built to his outside and Oil Money on the rail, formed a three-horse formation on the lead leaving the six furlong chute. Down the backstretch, Oil Money kept pace with Lightening Larry through a :21.37 quarter-mile as Powerfully Built fell back two lengths in third and Magical Warrior and jockey Javier Castellano raced in fifth, some seven lengths off the lead.

Lightening Larry and Oil Money continued to fight each other around the far turn while sustaining the breakneck pace with a :43.85 half-mile split and turned for home heads apart. Powerfully Built edged closer in third with Magical Warrior still four lengths back on the outside with a furlong to the finish.

Lightening Larry began to separate from Oil Money approaching the sixteenth-pole and appeared the winner before Magical Warrior hit the launch button on the outside and cruised to the front in the final strides to win by a length-and-half in 1:08.96, less than .07 of a second off the track and stakes record set by Florida-bred It’s Me Mom in the 2012 Hilton Garden Inn Sprint.

Lightening Larry finished a half-length in front of third-place finisher Powerfully Built with Cyberviking fourth. Oil Money, Willy Boi, Gatsby, Hammer Lane and Happy Cajun completed the order of finish.

Magical Warrior paid $23.60 to win.

‘Our horse has a lot of speed, but our only shot at winning it was to get the horse to relax, and we had a world-class rider who was able to do that,” Bennett said. “When I saw he was sitting third on the turn for home, I thought, we can win this.”

It was an impressive victory for Magical Warrior, who was making his stakes debut and winning for the first time since taking a first condition, $75,000 optional claiming a year earlier at Tampa Bay Downs. The 4-year-old gelding went into the Sprint out of a fourth-place finish as the even-money favorite in a $16,000 starter allowance won by Imperial King going six furlongs at Tampa Bay on Feb. 17.

Bennet said he had a difficult time before the race convincing Averill Racing’s Rich Averill and Bennett’s wife Mary that the Sprint was a viable option for Magical Warrior.

“[Averill] said we had no shot. He told me I was nuts,” Bennett said. “My wife, Mary said, ‘Did you see the form on these other horses?’

“I asked her, ‘Do you remember those other times when no one thought we could win?’ You can’t win it unless you’re in it,”

“When you get the opportunity, you have to take advantage of it,” Castellano said. “[Bennett] gave me this opportunity and it was the right time and the right place.”

Magical Warrior is by Poseidon’s Warrior out of Magical Madam, by Put It Back and was bred by Richard P. Arnold. He now has four wins with a second and a third with earnings of $127,645 for trainer Gerald Bennett’s Winning Stables Inc. and Averill Racing LLC. t

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Favorite Sweet Dani Girl Wins Pleasant Acres Stallions Distaff Turf

Returning to Florida-bred competition after finishing tenth in the Grade 3 Honey Fox won by Faith in Humanity at Gulfstream on March 4, Sweet Dani Girl took the $110,000 Pleasant Acres Stallions Distaff Turf while leading from start to finish. A field of 12 Florida-bred fillies and mares, 3-years-old and older went a mile-and-a-sixteenth in the Distaff Turf.

Trained by Carlos Vaccarezza for breeder and owner J & J Stables LLC and Nicholas Vaccarezza, Sweet Dani Girl and jockey Javier Castellano led longshots Cindy’s Song and Prudent Song by a length while racing past the grandstand for the first time and galloping through a quarter-mile in :23.51.

Sweet Dani Girl continued to lead through a half-mile in :47.50 and while Prudent Song tried to muster a challenge early in the far turn, Sweet Dani Girl dusted her off with ease while finishing six furlongs in 1:11.25. Sweet Dani Girl began to extend her lead racing out of the turn and was two in front at the top of the stretch and four lengths clear of Prudent Song in second under the wire. Sweet Dani Girl stopped the teletimer in 1:40.87 on the firm turf.

Alexa’s Dream finished another two-and-a-quarter lengths back in third with Frosted Oats, Avow, Dreamster, Mona Stella, Crystal Coast, Alittleloveandluck, Peace Seeker, Cindy’s Song and Lily’s Lead completing the order of finish.

Sweet Dani Girl paid $6.80 to win.

“She’s a quality filly,” Carlo Vaccarezza said. “Three races back [in the Grade 2 Eight Belles on May 6 at Churchill Downs] she bled and it broke my heart. John Williams and I decided to send her to Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm in Kentucky and give her as much time off as she needed. We always put the horse first, and we gave her all the time in the world to heal her lungs. She got to go and eat grass and just be a horse. We gave her an eightmonth layoff, and when we brought her back, she won [the Sunshine Filly and Mare Turf].

“Javier rode that filly beautifully today,” Vaccarezza added. “He did a perfect job. But she was ready. She was training really well at Palm Meadows and I figured the turf course at Tampa would fit her perfectly.”

It was the second stakes victory in three starts for Sweet Dani Girl, who won the $75,000 Sunshine Filly and Mare Turf going a mile on the grass course at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 14. The daughter of Ocala Stud stallion Jess’s Dream out of My Sweet Dani, by Scat Daddy, Sweet Dani Girl also won Keeneland’s $150,000 Myrtlewood at six furlongs in her second career start in October of 2021.

With the winner’s share of the $100,000 purse plus the $10,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes win bonus, Sweet Dani Girl increased her career bankroll to $281,065 from winning half of her eight career starts with one third. TFH

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OBS March Sale Produces Strong Numbers and Five Seven-Figure Sellers

BY BROCK SHERIDAN

The Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company added an extra day to their annual March Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training this year, making it a three-day auction held March 20-22. The world’s leader in juvenile Thoroughbred auctions started the season with strong figures in both gross sales and averages. Five sevenfigure juveniles highlighted this year’s March Sale, which traditionally kicks off the industry’s season of breeze show auctions for 2-year-year-olds.

The OBS March Sale saw 467 head sell for $71,568,500 for an average of $153,252 compared to last year when two days of selling generated $49,371,000 from 374 2-year-olds sold. The average price is an 16.1% increase compared to last year while the 2023 median of $75,000 duplicated last year’s median.

The average was the highest since the 2019 OBS March Sale, which had a $144,603 average, and the five millionaires was the most since the 2017 March Sale which also sold five seven-figure horses.

Brock Sheridan Photo

The top consignor for the sale was de Meric Sales who sold 40 head for $6,327,000 while Ciaran Dunne’s Wavertree Stables Inc. sold 18 juveniles for $6,147,000. Top Line Sales sold 12 head for $6,055,000.

Trainer Michael Maker led all buyers with 10 purchased for $2,250,000 while Mike Ryan as agent bought eight juveniles for $2,210,000. Donato Lanni as agent bought one 2-year-old for $2,000,000.

Topping the sale was Hip 546, a bay colt by 2017 champion 2-year-old male Good Magic out of Hoppa, by Uncle Mo from the consignment of Jimbo and Tori Gladwell’s Top Line Sales as agent. Purchased by Donato Lanni as agent, the colt was one of two in the sale to produce a :9.60 under tack time for an eighth-mile. The colt’s second dam, Handoverthecat, is a full sister to multiple Grade 2-winner Wondering Star and stakes-placed March to Victory.

Maverick Racing and Siena Farms LLC went to $1,200,000 to purchase Hip 215, Saturday Dreams, a colt by 2017 Triple Crown winner and Horse of the Year Justify out of the graded stakes-placed mare Zinzay, by Smart Strike. Consigned by Hartley/DeRenzo Thoroughbreds LLC as agent, the colt is a half-brother to graded stakes-placed, stakes-winner Moon Over Miami and worked an eighth-mile in :10 flat at the under tack session.

Hip 489 dropped the gavel at $1,050,000 when Katsumi Yoshida outlasted all bidders to acquire the colt by 2016 champion 3-year-old colt Arrogate out of Grade 3-placed, stakes-winner Georgie’s Angel, by Florida-bred Bellamy Road. The colt is also a half-brother to multiple Grade 1-winner and 2023 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1)-candidate Cave Rock and worked a quarter-mile in :21.20 during the breeze show. He was consigned by Tom McCrocklin as agent.

Hip 433 sold for $1,000,000 to Jeff Mackor as agent for Sean Flannigan from the consignment of Eddie Woods as agent. The gray or roan colt is by Twirling Candy out of the stakes-place mare Divine Dawn, by Divine Park, a half-sister to Grade 2-winner Divine Miss Grey and worked an eighthmile in :9.80 at the under tack show.

Hip 558, a bay filly by Munnings, went for $1,000,000 from the consignment of Tom McCrocklin as agent and was purchased by Donato Lanni as agent for Frank Fletcher Racing Operations. The filly is out of the Smart Strike mare In Full Compliance, a half-sister to stakes-winners Deven Rock and Bear’s Swan and worked a quarter-mile in :20.80 at the under session.

The top selling Florida-bred was Hip 505, who went to Woodford & Talia & West Point for $900,000 out of the Old South Farm LLC as agent consignment. The bay colt is by two-time Horse of the Curlin out of the Grade 1 Alcibiades-winning mare Gomo, by Uncle Mo and was bred in Florida by John and Leslie Malone’s Bridlewood Farm. The colt was clocked in :10 flat for two furlongs during the under tack session.

The top selling Florida-bred by a currently based Florida sire was a bay daughter of Ocala Stud’s Adios Charlie out of Alotofappeal, by Trippi, making her a half-sister to stakes-winners King Cab and B C’s Train, graded stakes-placed performers Talk Logistics and Schivarelli and stakes-placed Sonoma Crush and Big Rings. The filly, who worked a :21.20 quarter-mile at the breeze show, was bred by Ocala Stud, Edward Weist and William J. Terrill. TFH

Hip No. 546 a colt by Good Magic n Judit Seipert Photo

Hip No. 215 a colt by Justify n Judit Seipert Photo

Brei Leaves a Florida Thoroughbred Legacy Through Service, Stallions and Jacks or Better Success

Fred and Jane Brei | Family Photo

BY BROCK SHERIDAN

With the recent passing of Fred Brei, long known for his distinguished achievements in the Thoroughbred breeding and racing industry in the name of his Jacks or Better Farm Inc., the Florida Thoroughbred industry says good-bye to a stalwart leader renowned for going to battle for Thoroughbred breeders in the Sunshine state in racetrack board rooms and in the State Capital.

Brei will be remembered for his many contributions and longtime service to the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association where he served as president in 2010-’11, first vice-president in 2009-’10 and treasurer from 2013’16 while serving five, four-year terms as director from 2005-’11, 2012-’18 and 2019-present.

But he will be most remembered for the many accomplishments of his horses racing under his distinctive purple silks with yellow polka dots.

With 25 victories in the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes as both a breeder and owner, Jacks or Better Farm is the all-time leader in both categories. Jacks or Better home-

breds Jackson Bend (2009), Awesome Feather (2010) and Fort Loudon (2011) all swept the series and the most recent victory by a Jacks or Better runner came when his Shivaree won his second consecutive Florida Sire Stakes Marion County in December of 2021.

Awesome Feather was his most accomplished runner having earned an Eclipse Award in 2010 as the champion 2-year-old filly after winning the Grade 1 Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies at Churchill Downs that year. She retired with earnings of $1,912,746 from 10 victories in 11 starts and in addition to her Eclipse Award, she was named the 2010 FTBOA Horse of the Year and Champion 2-Year-Old Filly.

Jackson Bend went on to become a multiple Grade 1 winner with victories in the Grade 1 Forego at Saratoga in 2011 and the Grade 1 Carter at Aqueduct in 2012 and retired with earnings of $1,806,750 from nine wins in 37 starts with nine seconds and six thirds. Jackson Bend, in partnership with Robert V. LaPenta, was Brei’s only Kentucky Derby starter, finishing twelfth in the 2010 Run for the Roses. He was also named the 2011 FTBOA Champion Sprinter.

Fort Loudon would also achieve multiple graded stakes-winning status with victories in the Grade 3 Carry Back at Calder in 2012 and the Grade 3 Gulfstream Park Sprint Championship in 2012.

Brei is also recognized as the owner of several successful Florida stallions including Fort Loudon, Awesome of Course and Hear No Evil among several others.

Awesome of Course is the all-time leading sire of Florida Sire Stakes runners with 16 victories by his progeny including both Awesome Feather and Fort Loudon. Hear No Evil ranks fifth on the list as his progeny, including Jackson Bend, rattled off eight Florida Sire Stakes wins. Awesome of Course was also the

leading juvenile sire in Florida in 2011.

Through racing on April 24, Jacks or Better Farm runners have won 537 races from 4,216 starters with 598 seconds and 553 thirds while earning $23,325,456. With partners, Jacks or Better Farm had another victory with six seconds and three thirds with earnings of $239,180 from just 20 starters.

Jacks or Better Farm was FTBOA Breeder of the Year in 2015 and a two-time winner of the Needles Award presented by the FTBOA to the small breeder of the year in 2001 and 2004. He is the only person to win both awards. He was the top owner by Florida-bred earnings in 2010, 2014 and 2015 and Jacks or Better was represented by nine FTBOA champions who earned 10 titles.

“On behalf of the FTBOA including our staff and his fellow board members, I express our deep sadness and surprise in the passing of longtime Ocala-based Thoroughbred breeder and owner and longtime FTBOA board member who served our Association during a great time of change for a year as president, Fred Brei,” FTBOA President and CEO Lonny Powell said.

“Our hearts and thoughts also go out to his wonderful wife Jane and the rest of the Brei Family.

“I first met Fred almost 12 years ago during my visit to Ocala as part of a national search. I knew right then that Fred was a ‘break-the-mold’ type of character, the

Awesome Feather | Dan Dry Breeders’ Cup Photo

Jackson Bend | Lisa Photo

likes of which I had not quite seen before and am doubtful will see such a unique person like him in the future.

“Fred was an incredibly smart man with a real passion for Florida-bred Thoroughbreds—particularly those from his own mares by his Florida stallions. He was such a competitor in the racing and breeding games and achieved much success, particularly on the Gulfstream and Breeders Cup stages. Over his years, he made a number of contributions to the betterment of the FTBOA. For that impact on an industry and association standpoint, he will always be remembered and appreciated. I will miss him.

“Fred had so much enthusiasm for and success in the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes. He was always ‘All-In’. We plan to recognize him in a swift, appropriate and true to the man way. We will be internally incorporating his name into our Florida Sire Stakes bonused 2-year-old maiden special weight races at Gulfstream. Largely through Fred’s efforts. I’m pretty sure he would both chuckle and like it.”

Brei had several trainers throughout his career with Ralph Nicks overseeing the lion’s share of his current stable.

“Fred was always straight to the point

FTBOA Champions

Awesome Banner

2016 Champion 3-Year-Old Colt or Gelding

2016 Champion Sprinter

Awesome Feather

2010 Horse of the Year

2010 Champion 2-Year-Old Filly

Ballet Diva - 2015 Champion 2-Year-Old Filly

and direct and had very strong convictions about his horses and the Thoroughbred industry,” Nicks said. “Speaking every day, we would have our differences, but we always seemed to be laughing at the end of every conversation.

“I felt that way about my father, so I think I always looked to Fred as kind of a father figure and as an inspiration. He cared a great deal about this business and for him, the

Florida Thoroughbred industry was number one.”

FTBOA President George Isaacs also praised Brei for his work at the FTBOA.

“Fred became president of the FTBOA at a very difficult time when membership satisfaction was at an all-time low. In his straight up no-nonsense style of leadership he got the ship steered in the right direction,” Isaacs said. “He was fiercely passionate about Florida breeding and racing, and darn sure put his money where his mouth was.

“As the manager of a large breeding operation in Florida, I was always so impressed with Jacks or Better’s success at Calder and then Gulfstream with a small broodmare band. I once told Fred, ‘man you make it look easy breeding winner after winner of the early 2-year-old races and then one by one the Florida Sire Stakes.’

“To sweep the FSS series in 2010 with Awesome Feather and then go on to win the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies, is something we could all only dream of. And he and his farm pulled it off! He backed that up with many more stakes winners after that. RIP Fred.”

A celebration of life service was held April 15 at Heirs-Baxley Funeral Services at 910 E. Silver Springs Blvd in Ocala. TFH

Jacks

or Better Farm

Florida Sire Stakes Winners

Dr. Fager

Jackson Bend, 2009

Fort Loudon, 2011

Sing Praises, 2014

Affirmed

Jackson Bend, 2009

In Reality

Jackson Bend, 2009

Fort Loudon, 2011

Best Plan Yet, 2013

Sing Praises, 2014

Fellowship, 2015

My Dear Girl

Awesome Feather, 2010

Awesome Belle, 2011

Marion County

Shivaree, 2020

Shivaree, 2021

Dogwood Trail - 2015 Champion 3-Year-Old Filly

Fort Loudon

2011 Champion 2-Year-Old Colt or Gelding

2012 Champion 3-Year-Old Colt or Gelding

Garter and Tie

2018 Champion 2-Year-Old Colt or Gelding

Jackson Bend - 2011 Champion Sprinter

Fort Loudon, 2011

Twotwentyfive A, 2014

Garter and Tie, 2018

Foolish Pleasure

Awesome Banner, 2017

Desert Vixen

Awesome Feather, 2010

Red Bud Road, 2011

Leap Year Luck, 2014

Susan’s Girl

Awesome Feather, 2010

Ballet Diva, 2015

Three Ring

Dogwood Trail, 2015

Prized

Twotwentyfive A, 2015

Awesome Banner, 2016

Fort Loudon | Coglianese Photo

Florida-breds Around The Country

February/2023

By Race Type/Grade

Stakes, Allowance, Allowance Optional Claiming and Maiden Special Weight statistics below are listed as of Feb. 28, 2023 for win, place and show, alphabetically by horse name.

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – STAKES RACES

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE (cont’d)

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (cont’d)

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT

Florida-breds Around The Country

Stakes, Allowance, Allowance Optional Claiming and Maiden Special Weight statistics below are as of March 31, 2023 for win, place and show, alphabetically by horse name.

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – STAKES RACES

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (cont’d)

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT

FTBOA Member Day at Florida Cup

About 300 FTBOA members converged on Tampa Bay Downs on March 26 for Florida Cup day in the VIP tent railside that included a buffet, beverages, free admission, parking and a program thanks to generous sponsors.

Tammy A. Gantt Associate Vice President, Director of Membership Services & Events, FEC Contributing Editor & FTC Industry & Community Affairs

1 - Several FTBOA members who are Florida Thorobred Fillies pose trackside

2 - FTBOA’s Tammy Gantt and member Diane Aanerud

3 - Jockey Ronnie Allen, Jr. receives a special gift from Kristen Garcia

4 - Jesus Lopez Acosta recognizes the event sponsors

5 - Members enjoying the luncheon

6 - Bonnie and Kim Heath with Tonya O’ Quinn

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