Grande's 2nd career win in as many starts means the light on his road to Louisville is now green.

The Curlin colt followed up his winning February debut at a flat mile with a similar effort Thursday over nine furlongs, also at Gulfstream Park.

Grande will be considered for the Florida Derby, Wood Memorial, or Blue Grass, owner Mike Repole said Friday. Victory in any one of the three Kentucky Derby preps would be essential to assuring the Todd Pletcher trainee a berth in the May classic.

Although GSW/MGSP Journey Home never raced on dirt, her colt, a $300,000 Keeneland September graduate, has a long, ground-enveloping action. John Velazquez rode out Grande to a 2 1/2 length victory Thursday (video), with his still-maturing mount finishing with stamina in reserve.

Journey Home was purchased carrying Grande by KatieRich Farms for $650,000 out of 2020 Keeneland November. Her daughter Ticker Tape Home (Medaglia d'Oro), bred by Sam-Son Farn, is a Gr3 winner in Canada.

Coglianese/Gulfstream Park photo.