Spun Sugar wins in return

Spun Sugar, idle since finishing second behind Sweet Symphony in the Grade 1 Alabama on Aug. 20, made a successful return at Gulfstream Park on Monday, drawing off to a 4 1/2-length victory against an overmatched field of third-level optional claiming and allowance rivals.

The victory was the first for Spun Sugar, a 4-year-old homebred daughter of Awesome Again, since she captured Pimlico's Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan last May. She was also second and third behind Smuggler in the Grade 1 Mother Goose and Coaching Club American Oaks last year.

"Hopefully this will set her up nicely for the Apple Blossom," said Todd Pletcher, who trains Spun Sugar for owner-breeder Frank Stronach.

The Grade 1 Apple Blossom Handicap will be run April 8 at Oaklawn Park.

Spun Sugar ($2.80) covered a mile in 1:36.96 under jockey John Velazquez.