Gulfstream Park: Zaikov impresses in debut

The performance by trainer Todd Pletcher’s latest 3-year-old sensation, Zaikov, here Friday was all the talk during training hours Saturday.

Zaikov, a homebred son of Distorted Humor out of the $2 million earner Wait a While, won his debut by more than 11 lengths while earning a 99 Beyer Speed Figure. Zaikov is owned by Alan Cohen’s Arindel Farm, which also campaigned Grade 1 turf winner Wait a While.

“We loved his mother. She was one of our all-time favorites,” Pletcher said. “He’s trained really well on the dirt, and she was good on all surfaces. He’s acted like a really talented colt all along, and we’re glad to finally get him going.”

Pletcher said Zaikov would remain on the dirt for the time being while likely being pointed for an allowance race in his next start.