Florida Fabulous stays home for allowance

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – The ease with which Florida Fabulous won her debut here six weeks ago may have had some expecting her to make her second start in a stakes race. While trainer David Fawkes did consider shipping her to Tampa Bay Downs for Sunday’s Sophomore Fillies Stakes, he found a better option.

Florida Fabulous heads a field of five entered Friday in a $48,000, first-level allowance for 3-year-old fillies going a mile over Gulfstream Park’s main track.

Florida Fabulous, a daughter of High Cotton who brought $400,000 at auction as a yearling, won her debut by 10 3/4 lengths going a mile on Feb. 16. Under Paco Lopez, she loped to the lead in an opening quarter-mile of 24.71 seconds and never really got out of second gear while winning easily as the 1-2 favorite.

Fawkes said he wasn’t surprised that Florida Fabulous won first out.

“Maybe by the margin,” he said. “I knew the talent was there.”

Fawkes said the seven furlongs of the Sophomore Fillies Stakes – plus a ship – made that race a little less appealing.

“I’d rather stay at a mile,” Fawkes said. “That would have been a tough race shipping up there.”

Fawkes, who does plan on stretching out Florida Fabulous in distance later this year, thought the Gulfstream Park Oaks would be too tough.

Spice Lady, a debut winner for Todd Pletcher; Silver Threads, Ellie’s Honor, and Teresa Z complete the field.

Race 9

KEY CONTENDERS

Fabulous Florida, by High Cotton

Beyer: 72

◗ Won her debut impressively, breaking from the outside post and cruising in front-running fashion without ever being asked by Lopez. Breaks from the rail Friday, which Fawkes doesn’t believe is an impediment.

“I would like to see her get a little dirt in her face, get a little education,” Fawkes said.

Spice Lady, by Speightstown

Last Beyer: 71

◗ Broke inward from the rail, then had to rally four wide when winning her career debut by three-quarters of a length going 5 1/2 furlongs here on Feb. 26. Shows a solid work tab since then for the stretch-out to a mile.

“I thought she ran very well in her debut,” Pletcher said. “I think it’ll be interesting to see how she handles the stretch-out. We’ll kind of learn something about her. I think we have a good draw this time, and it’ll allow Johnny [Velazquez] time to survey his options.”

◗ Forget It, fourth behind Spice Lady on Feb. 26, came back to win her next start at Aqueduct.

Silver Threads, by Union Rags

Last 3 Beyers: 72-36-48

◗ Goes from turf to dirt and makes her first start for trainer John Servis after making her previous four starts for Joe Orseno. Gets the services of leading rider Luis Saez.