Gullatt Looks forward with Destin

Twin Creeks Racing Stables' Destin (Giant's Causeway) put his name on the list of early GI Kentucky Derby contenders with his 2 1/4-length victory in Saturday's GII Sam F. Davis S. at Tampa Bay Derby. The effort was just what connections were looking for, according to Twin Creeks manager Randy Gullatt .

“We were very pleased with his race,” Gullatt said. “It was an improvement from his last start and that's all we were looking for–a progression. It was progress and you just hope these 3-year-old colts can learn fast enough and be talented enough to go on to the next level.”

Destin, a full-brother to 2012 GI Santa Anita Derby runner-up and GI Preakness S. third-place finisher Creative Cause, won at first asking at Belmont last October, despite hitting the gate at the start. Prior to his start at Tampa Bay, the gray colt was a respectable fourth while making his two-turn debut in the Jan. 16 GIII LeComte S. at Fair Grounds.

“There is no doubt he progressed from the LeComte,” Gullatt said. “We added a little more blinker. He is just a colt that needs a little more focus in his races and I think we got that. And Johnny [Velazquez] did a great job of keeping his mind on his business.”

As for what is next for Destin, Gullatt said, “We really haven't talked about it, but obviously the [Mar. 12 GII] Tampa Bay Derby is a very logical spot, timing-wise and because he liked the racetrack. So that would probably be our first look. And hopefully the horse says yes when that date comes.”