Zayat Stables’ Black N Beauty probably earned himself a ticket to the $400,000 Holy Bull Stakes (gr. III) with a solid victory in a $51,500 allowance test for 3-year-olds at Gulfstream Park Jan. 7.
Ridden by Kent Desormeaux, the 3-year-old Ontario-bred colt by Devil His Due led throughout in the one-mile test around one turn to win by 2 1/2 lengths. Printing Press rallied from slightly off the pace to finish second, while favored Shadow Warrior finished third.
The fractions were :24.20, :49.91, 1:12.02, and 1:37.48 for the mile. Black N Beauty, a winner in his career debut at Churchill Downs in November as a 2-year-old, paid $7.80 to win.
“He’s one of those horses who goes to fast, seemingly, and then takes off,” Desormeaux told Gulfstream officials after the race. “So, yes, he’s very talented. He goes at a speedy canter. Most horses are fighting to go as fast. His natural cruising speed will drive most horses into the ground—that’s a sign of true talent."
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