Tonalist's Shape wires Davona Dale to stay undefeated

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.’s chance of running in the Kentucky Derby was postponed at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, when he decided to scratch Chance It from the Fountain of Youth owing to a poor post draw. But his march toward the Kentucky Oaks continued unimpeded on the card when his unbeaten filly Tonalist’s Shape captured the Grade 2, $200,000 Davona Dale for 3-year-old fillies.

Tonalist’s Shape ($6.20) turned back favored Spice Is Nice to win the one-turn mile, and earn 50 points towards a berth in the May 1 Kentucky Oaks based on the system used by Churchill Downs to determine the Oaks field. She’ll run back in four weeks in the Gulfstream Park Oaks, and then it will be on to Louisville.

“It’s amazing how things are unfolding,” said Joseph, who never has run a horse in the Oaks or Derby before but has a barn that has become a force.

Tonalist’s Shape has become one of the leaders of the division after now winning all five of her starts. She has yet to go around two turns, but she is by Belmont winner Tonalist and is out of a Harlan’s Holiday mare, so she’s bred to stretch out.

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Her fortitude was on display Saturday, because she was part of an honest pace after breaking sharply, then turned back all challengers to prevail.

“We know she stays,” Joseph said. “Stamina is her fortitude.”

Tonalist’s Shape beat Spice Is Nice by 1 1/4 lengths, and it was another 2 3/4 lengths back to Dream Marie in third, with Reluctant Bride a distant fourth. After Tonalist’s Shape, the next three picked up 20, 10, and 5 points, respectively, toward the Oaks.

Tyler Gaffalione rode Tonalist’s Shape, the fifth different rider to climb aboard the filly in five races. She won the Forward Gal here on Feb. 1 with Irad Ortiz Jr., but he was overseas on Saturday.

Tonalist’s Shape completed the one-turn mile on the fast main track in 1:36.77.

Juan Avila trained Tonalist’s Shape for her first start, last September, but after her late-running win that day she was purchased privately by a partnership of Slam Dunk Racing, the Legacy Ranch of Pete and Evelyn Parrella, and Doug Branham and sent to Joseph.

Nick Cosato, who runs Slam Dunk Racing, said it was his son and assistant, Ryan, who more than a year ago told him to watch Joseph as an up-and-comer.

“His communication is off the charts,” said Cosato, who is based in California but has four runners here with Joseph.

Tonalist’s Shape earned $120,000 on Saturday to bring her bankroll to $310,350.