Yates posts another upset in Davona Dale with Fiona's Magic

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. -- For the second year in a row, trainer Michael Yates pulled off an upset in the Grade 2, $200,000 Davona Dale Stakes at Gulfstream Park.

While not nearly as dramatic as last year’s 46-1 stunner with Dorth Vader, Saturday Yates sent out Fiona’s Magic to a 9-1 surprise, the filly leading from start to finish under Tyler Gaffalione, holding off Into Champagne to win by a half-length.

It was 1 3/4 lengths back to Leslie’s Rose.

Leslie’s Rose, who was 2 for 2, became the 1-5 favorite when Just F Y I, the champion 2-year-old filly of 2023, was scratched earlier in the afternoon due to a fever, according to trainer Bill Mott.

“I couldn’t risk it,” Mott said.

Fiona’s Magic was coming off a second-place finish in the Grade 3 Forward Gal, where she got in a pace duel and gave way to R Harper Rose.

Saturday, Fiona’s Magic was able to get a clear lead through an opening quarter in 24.59 seconds, a half-mile in 47.47, and six furlongs in 1:11.72 chased by Queen’s Martini and Into Champagne. Leslie’s Rose was fourth along the inside under Irad Ortiz Jr.

Straightening for home, Into Champagne, under Julien Leparoux, came alongside Fiona’s Magic, but under Gaffalione’s left-handed whip, Fiona’s Magic repelled that one. Irad Ortiz Jr. switched Leslie’s Rose off the rail into the three path but she finished third, beaten 2 1/4 lengths.

Queen’s Martini was fourth followed by Whocouldaskformo and New Diamond.

Yates said he was happy when he saw the opening quarter fraction of 24.59 seconds.

“I was thrilled when I saw her leave the chute and her years were flopping,” Yates said. “She was like, ‘Why are we going so slow today?’ “

:: Bet the races with a $200 First Deposit Match + FREE All Access PPs! Join DRF Bets.

Yates admitted to being “relieved” when Just F Y I scratched, but added Fiona’s Magic “just needed to run her race,” he said. “She got an easy lead the first quarter of a mile and the rest is history.”

Gaffalione was riding Fiona’s Magic for the second time and felt he learned something from her defeat in the Forward Gal.

“Last time I thought I was a little too patient. I let that horse collar me. I thought I had a little bit more,” Gaffalione said. “She was one of those free-running fillies. I tried to keep her in stride and soon as she felt that challenge, she met it and went on.”

Fiona’s Magic, a daughter of St. Patrick owned by Marilyn Campbell’s Stonehedge Farm, covered the mile in 1:37.16 and returned $20.20. Fiona's Magic matched a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 80 for her winning effort.

Fiona’s Magic earned 50 qualifying points to the Kentucky Oaks on May 3. Yates said he would give Fiona’s Magic a start around two turns. The Grade 2, $250,000 Gulfstream Park Oaks on March 30 is one option.

Ortiz said though Leslie’s Rose jumped into the bit at the quarter pole, she wasn’t all that comfortable being on the inside.

“There was a little spot on the rail, it was a little tight, but it was straight for me, but she don’t help me,” Ortiz said. “I probably should have waited at the three-eighths and gone around them.”

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.