Devine Aida makes it three in row by winning Ginger Brew

Devine Aida, exiting a turf sprint that produced three next-out winners, collected her third straight victory in Saturday’s $100,000 Ginger Brew Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Gulfstream Park.

Part of an early fight for the lead with Sunday Sonnet, Devine Aida ($9.40) finally won the speed duel to take a short lead entering the stretch and drew clear to win by about three lengths. In winning for the third time in four starts for jockey Jesus Rios and trainer Ramon Morales, Devine Aida completed 7 1/2 furlongs on firm turf in 1:31.31.

Nicky’s Brown Miss, third in the Wait a While at Gulfstream West in her most recent race Nov. 29, rallied to narrowly get second over Sunday Sonnet, the runner-up in the P.G. Johnson at Saratoga in her only previous start on grass.

Devine Aida, a daughter of Unbridled's Song owned by Stronach Stables, had won her turf debut at Gulfstream West going the same 7 1/2-furlong distance as the Ginger Brew. Three fillies who finished behind her that day came back to win their next starts.

Although Devine Aida won her maiden by five lengths on dirt, Morales said he wanted to try her on turf because her dam, Passion, was 3 for 3 running on grass.

“The mother ran on the turf, and the way she ran and the pedigree that she has made it look like she was going to be on the turf,” Morales said. “So that’s why we ran her back on the turf.”

Morales hasn't picked out a next target for Devine Aida, but he did reveal after the Ginger Brew that he has high long-term goals for the filly.

“For me, if she stays sound, she’s going to be in the Breeders’ Cup in the future,” he said.