Gulfstream Park: Sophomores Viva Majorca, Little Daddy show potential

Lost in all the hoopla surrounding Florida Derby weekend were the performances of Viva Majorca and Little Daddy, a pair of 3-year-olds with great potential but who were too late to arrive on the scene for the Kentucky Derby picture.

Viva Majorca, a son of Tiago, is trained by Ian Wilkes for owner Marylou Whitney. Racing on Lasix for the first time, Viva Majorca exploded to a 12-length maiden special weight triumph while making his second career start in Saturday’s opener. His final time of 1:21.85 for seven furlongs earned him a 98 Beyer Speed Figure.

Little Daddy, by Scat Daddy, rallied from last to a 1 1/4-length decision over the favored All in Blue while stretching out to 6 1/2 furlongs here Sunday. Little Daddy had posted a 3 1/4-length maiden win to launch his career, going six panels March 15. Trained by Carlo Vaccarezza, Little Daddy, a New York-bred, paired 84 Beyers for his two victories.

Vaccarezza, the owner and now trainer of the multiple Grade 1 winner Little Mike, said he likely will bring Little Daddy back in an overnight stakes for 3-year-olds here May 3.