Successful Native triumphs in off-the-turf Claiming Crown Canterbury

Successful Native raced on the main track for the first time in his career Saturday after wet weather forced the $110,000 Canterbury off the turf, and he found the footing to his liking as he rallied for a three-quarter-length win in the Claiming Crown event at Gulfstream Park.

Delta Bluesman won a photo for second, finishing a head in front of Officer Griffin in third.

Successful Native ($25.20) was content to settle just off the pace in the five-furlong Canterbury as Delta Bluesman and Noble Prince dueled through an opening quarter in 22.06 seconds. Delta Bluesman continued on for a half-mile in 44.71, but in the stretch, he could not hold off a rolling Successful Native.

Juan Levya rode the winner, who covered the distance on a track rated good in 57.09.

Aubrey Maragh trains Successful Native for Marco Thoroughbred Corp. The horse was a $25,000 claim out of a maiden race in April at Gulfstream. He earned $60,500 for his win in the Canterbury. Successful Native now has won 4 of 9 career starts and earned $154,450. He is a 4-year-old colt by Successful Appeal, and he was bred in Kentucky by Fares Farm.

There were five scratches from the Canterbury: Billy Two Hats, High Bar, Do the Roar, Shadow Rock, and Thomas Hill.