- 5 days ago
- 1 min read
It had been nine months since last year's Kentucky Derby hopeful Grande had last raced. Saturday at Gulfstream Park in a one mile allowance the Curlin colt out of Journey Home (War Front) made it worth the wait.
Mike Repole's 4yo came back on fellow returnee Praetor after relinquishing the lead to that talented colt at the 1/4 pole to secure a 3/4 length decision under Rajiv Maragh.
Grande won his first two career starts last winter at Gulfstream before making a late Derby prep debut in the Wood Memorial. Racing wide, he sustained a prolonged rally to finish 2nd best but was subsequently scratched Derby week and did not race again until Saturday.
A $300,000 Keeneland September graduate, Grande is the 2nd winner out of Journey Home and 1/2 to Sam-Son Farm bred Ticker Tape Home (Medaglia d'Oro), a dual Gr3 winner in her native Ontario.
A Gr3 winner/MGSP for Sam-Son, Journey Home sold carrying Grande to KatieRich Farms for $650,000 in 2021.
Gulfstream Park photo.
