Tampa_LiamsLucky Charm_TwoSixty.qxp_Florida Horse_template 2/19/20 9:09 AM Page 24
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TAKING By BROCK SHERIDAN
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wo Florida-breds who last year each won divisions of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association Florida Sire Stakes at Gulfstream Park made successful 2020 debuts Jan. 18 at Tampa Bay Downs while also together earning $150,000 in purse supplements offered by the FTBOA as Florida-breds who are also FSS-eligible. Stonehedge LLC’s Liam’s Lucky Charm won the $125,000 Pasco Stakes for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs and Gary Barber’s Two Sixty captured the $125,000 Gasparilla Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at the same distance. Both stakes each offered a $25,000 win supplement for Florida-breds and a $50,000 win supplement for FSS-paid nominees. Both Liam’s Lucky Charm and Two Sixty were ridden by jockey Edgard Zayas who also had a big day with four wins on the card. “It feels nice,” Zayas said, “I had a lot of live mounts today and the horses ran good – it was all them.” Liam’s Lucky Charm started the stakes action with a five-and-and-half-length win in the Pasco while leading from start to finish. Breaking from the inside post one, Liam’s Lucky Charm was urged to the lead from the start by Zayas as they led maiden special weight-winner My Man
Florida-bred Sophomores Double Up in Tampa Bay Stakes; Pair also earns FTBOA and FSS purse supplements SV PHTOGRAPHY PHOTOS
Flintstone by a half-length after two furlongs in :22.36 on the fast track. Coming out of the far turn, Liam’s Lucky Charm bumped My Man Flintstone while also pushing out Presque Isle Downs stakes-winner Albert Park in third after ticking off a half-mile in :44.66 before extending his lead to a length turning for home. He then drew off under right-handed pressure from Zayas and raced to the finish in 1:21.75 with Albert Park second and No Getting Over Me another five-
24 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2020
and-a-half lengths farther back. They were followed by He’s Smokin Now, My Man Flintstone, Golden Candy and Big Yes. “I wasn’t really planning to be on the lead – if it
