Florida Fuego Catches the Eye in Two-Year-Old Debut

e Five Racing’s Florida Fuego stamped herself as a hot prospect for the upcoming Florida Sire Stakes series Saturday at Gulfstream Park, debuting with a thoroughly professional five-length triumph in the seventh race, a five-furlong sprint for 2-year-old fillies.

The daughter of Kantharos settled in fourth along the backstretch before making a three-wide sweep on the turn into the homestretch and drawing off to win decisively under Tyler Gaffalione.

“She’s very professional. That’s been her from Day 1,” trainer David Fawkes said. “I was a little concerned because she had to eat dirt for the first time. But once she ate the dirt, she handled it real well. Tyler rode her smart; he kept her in the clear.”

Florida Fuego was purchased for $70,000 at the 2017 Ocala Breeders’ March sale.

“We was kind of a sleeper. There was a big horse right before her. We picked her up, and Dave has done a great job with her,” said Bob Edwards, managing partner of his family stable.

The Florida Sire Stakes series for 2-year-olds sired by stallions standing in Florida is scheduled to get underway Aug. 5. The $100,000 Desert Vixen for fillies and the $100,000 Dr. Fager kick off the tradition rich series, followed by the $200,000 Susan’s Girl (fillies) and the $200,000 Affirmed on Sept.2 and the $400,000 My Dear Girl (fillies) and the $400,000 In Reality Sept. 30.