‘Dramatic’ Finish in Gulfstream’s Affirmed S.

Tribal Drama became the first winner for his freshman sire with a victory in Gulfstream’s Affirmed S. Earning his diploma with a front running 5 3/4-length victory here Aug. 2, the juvenile tracked from third as Dream of Me (High Cotton) clocked a sharp first quarter in :22.74 and moved up into second through a half in :45.94. Engaged in a duel with that rival entering the lane, the dark bay shook free of the pacesetter in the final furlong and held off a late bid from Abercorn to win by a nose. “We knew right away [that he was going to be a nice colt],” winning trainer David Fawkes said. “He showed talent right from the beginning. I didn’t want to put him right in the Sire Stakes to run the first time. That’s a lot to ask. So, we made a decision to wait for this race. He could have run in between, but we chose to wait, and it worked.” Fawkes also conditions MGISW Sheer Drama (Burning Roma), who upset Saratoga’s GI Personal Ensign S. Aug. 29.

FLORIDA SIRE AFFIRMED S., $300,000, GP, 9-5, (C), 2yo, c/g, 7f, 1:25.61, sy.
1–#TRIBAL DRAMA, 118, c, 2, by Big Drama
1st Dam: Tribal Music, by A. P. Warrior
2nd Dam: Dance Tune, by French Deputy
3rd Dam: Dance for Free, by Fly So Free
O-Hallmarc Racing LLC; B-Family Broodmares III (FL); T-David Fawkes; J-Eddie Castro. $180,000. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $209,000. *First stakes winner for freshman sire (by Montbrook).
2–Abercorn, 118, c, 2, Brooks ‘n Down–Duchess d’Or, by Tour d’Or. O/B-Jacks or Better Farm Inc. (FL); T-Stanley I. Gold. $60,000.
3–Li’l Meatball, 118, g, 2, Graeme Hall–Sophie’s Meatball, by Lion Heart. O-George J. Kerr; B-George J Kerr (FL); T-J. David Braddy. $33,000.
Margins: NK, 3/4, NK. Odds: 3.10, 17.90, 6.30.
Also Ran: Dream of Me, Danbury, Brighton Lane, Fellowship, No More Chillin, Night Rythm, Swagger Jagger, Biggest Drama, Mr. Kisses.

Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.