Gulfstream Park played host to five stakes this past Saturday, including a number of promising performances from newly turned 3-year-olds throughout the day. Crossed Sabres Farm's Bluegrass Singer (Bluegrass Cat) kicked off the road to the GI Florida Derby with a decisive victory in the one-mile Mucho Macho Man S.
Trainer Marcus Vitali said yesterday that the colt came out of the race tired but in good condition. He added that a decision has not yet been made on the colt's next start, but a further extension in distance is likely.
“I think we've prepared him for the two-turn challenge,” commented Vitali. “I eased him into different distances feeling he was going to get better with each start.”
Three-year-old counterpart Night Prowler (Giant's Causeway), a half-length winner of the GIII Dania Beach S. over the turf, pleased trainer Chad Brown with his effort.
“I thought he ran really well especially from that post [9],” commented Brown. “He worked out a great trip and he galloped out well, so it looks like he'll run a bit farther than that. It's a long year, and I don't know what I'm going to do with him yet, but so far he looks good [Sunday] morning.”
Bill Kaplan was similarly pleased with his trainee Ekati's Phaeton (Tale of Ekati), a gritty half-length winner of the six-furlong GIII Old Hat S. for sophomore fillies earlier on Saturday's card.
“She's doing great,” Kaplan. “She's an amazing filly. She's got more than she's shown so far. When she gets in front, she waits on horses, so it was nice to see her run the way she did [on Saturday].”
Kaplan added that he is evaluating the Jan. 24 GII Forward Gal S. as a potential next start for his filly.
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