Majestic Secret ready for next turf assignment in Not Surprising

George and Debbi Klein are hoping to have more good fortune at Gulfstream Park Saturday, when their homebred Majestic Secret is scheduled to go to post for the $100,000 Not Surprising Stakes.

Debbi Klein won an $8,000 jackpot in the Casino at Gulfstream Park several years ago, and the Arizona residents with strong ties to Ocala, FL decided to invest $4,700 of the winnings into a broodmare prospect, Cotulla, at the 2012 November Mixed Sale at Keeneland. Cotulla’s first foal was a 2015 colt by Kantharos, who would become known as Majestic Secret.

George Klein, a semiconductor engineer by profession and a devout student of Thoroughbred bloodlines, was confident that an offspring of Kantharos-Cotulla would excel on grass. His expectations were met at Gulfstream June 8 when Majestic Secret finished first in his turf debut in a five-furlong optional claiming allowance.

“Being by Kantharos is really huge for turf, especially going short. Those are hitting at a 20-percent rate first time,” Klein said. “If you look at the bottom side of his pedigree, that’s what I originally bred him for – the turf – because of his mare, Cotulla. She’s got Distorted Humor, Indygo Shiner, Alydar and Seattle Slew.”

Although Majestic Secret prevailed by a hard-fought half-length over Asked and Answered June 8 at Gulfstream, the Florida-bred colt was disqualified and place second for drifting in the stretch after pressing a solid pace.

“He took to the turf and went hard for five furlongs. They tried to run him into the ground. He ran them into the ground. He did get tired at the end, but that’s OK,” Klein said. “He’s training really good. He’s in good form now.”

Majestic Secret, whom the Kleins own in partnership with Giorgina Butler, will be tested in his second turf start after drawing the No. 14 post position for the Saturday’s mile turf stakes for 3-year-olds.

“He’s bred to go two turns. We’re hoping he’ll use his really good tactical speed, get an easy lead and keeps on going. Catch me if you can,” Klein said.

Majestic Secret raced exclusively on the main track at Gulfstream during his 2-year-campaign, during which he broke his maiden in his third start and finished fourth in the Florida Sire Stakes Dr. Fager before finishing off the board in the FSS Affirmed and going on an eight-month hiatus

“We had do give him some time off. He banged up his knee,” said Klein, noting the injury was sustained in the starting gate before the FSS Affirmed Stakes.

Majestic Secret returned to finish off the board on the main track in his May 12th return to action before demonstrating a fondness for turf last time out.