Congrats Gal getting winter break with eye to 3-year-old season

Following a promising 2-year-old campaign, Congrats Gal will be given the winter off in Florida before rejoining trainer Cal Lynch’s Laurel Park stable in March.

In her last three starts, Congrats Gal has finished second by 1 1/2 lengths in a Delaware Park stakes to eventual Frizette and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies winner Jaywalk, won a Laurel Park optional claimer by 14 lengths, and romped by 6 3/4 lengths at Laurel in the $100,000 Smart Halo Stakes.

“She started early this year and ran hard four or five times,” Lynch said. “She’s a brilliant filly and we’re looking to have a nice 3-year-old.”

Charlie Lynch, Cal’s 20-year-old son and assistant trainer, will spend the winter working at Eisaman Equine near Ocala, Fla., learning more about the 2-year-old side of the business. When he heads south, Congrats Gal will travel with him.

Charlie, a trainer in his own right, already knows a little bit about 2-year-olds. He sent out the 2-year-old gelding Wait for Dark at Laurel in October to win his debut at 12-1.

While Charlie is in Florida, Lynch’s younger son Anthony will have the opportunity to step up and play a larger role in the family stable.