Outburst a front-running winner in Florida Oaks

A lot of people were surprised to see Outburst setting the pace in Saturday’s $200,000 Florida Oaks at Tampa Bay Downs. None more so than her trainer, Eddie Kenneally, who watched the race from just outside the paddock at Gulfstream Park before saddling Girls Know Best to win the Captiva Island Stakes.

“I wasn’t sure what to think when she was on the lead,” said Kenneally. “I thought like she actually needed to be covered up, but she broke so sharp Javier [Castellano] elected to let her run. And it worked out well.”

Outburst entered the Florida Oaks off a come-from-behind, three-quarter-length victory in an optional claiming and allowance race at Tampa four weeks ago in her U.S. debut. On Saturday, Outburst went a quick 22.91 seconds for the opening quarter-mile under Javier Castellano before settling into a more relaxed rhythm down the backstretch, completing the half in 48.53 and and three-quarters in 1:12.75. She settled into the stretch with a clear advantage before holding off a late bid from Walk in Marrakesh to register a well-deserved head decision.

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Walk in Marrakesh, who like the winner started her career in Europe, raced well placed while saving ground throughout, altered course outside Outburst near midstretch and surged at the end but just missed. It was another 1 3/4 lengths back to Secret Stash, who finished third without menacing the top pair.

Outburst, bred in England, is a 3-year-old daughter of Outstrip. She returned $6.80 after completing 1 1/16 miles over the firm course in 1:42.03 to register her third victory in four lifetime starts.

“I was surprised she was on the lead, but wasn’t surprised she was the favorite because her prep was very good,” said Kenneally. “That was a nice win for her today, a graded win as well. She a very nice filly.”

Kenneally, who trains Outburst for Mark Detampel, TSF Thoroughbred Racing, and Rebecca Hillen, said the filly would likely make her next start in the Grade 3 Beaumont Stakes at Keeneland on April 5.