Off the Tracks Sparkles in Margate Handicap

J. Stables’ Off the Tracks showed no rust from an eight-month layoff Sunday at Gulfstream Park while roaring to a sparkling 4 ¼ length triumph in the $65,000 Margate Handicap.

Trained by Roderick Rodriguez, the 3-year-old daughter of Curlin had been idle since capturing the Schuylerville (G3) at Saratoga by 3 ¼ lengths July 24. The undefeated filly was sidelined after that score with a knee injury that required surgery.

“Our goal is the [Kentucky] Oaks. God willing, everything is good and she stays sound,” Rodriguez said. “That’s what we’re shooting for.”

Sent to post as the 9-5 second betting choice in a field of seven fillies and mares, Off the Tracks sat comfortably behind pacesetter Ballet Diva along the backstretch during a 45.65-second first half mile. The long-striding, powerfully built filly pulled alongside Ballet Diva leaving the turn into the homestretch before rolling to a commanding victory, completing 6 ½ furlongs under Tyler Gaffalione.

Off the Tracks, who won her debut at Gulfstream by 4 ½ lengths before shipping to Saratoga last summer, raced as the 120-pound co-highweight with multiple stakes-winning Ballet Diva.

“I was very impressed. The pace was so fast that I was afraid it was going to take a toll on her at the end, and Tap to It closes fast,” Rodriguez said. “But, she’s just an incredible filly. The sky’s the limit with her.”

Sugar Cone, ridden by Julien Leparoux finished second,  a head in front of Daddy’s Great Bay. Tap to It, the 4-5 favorite who hadn’t run since finishing a troubled sixth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies at Keeneland Oct. 31, finished fifth.

Off the Tracks, who purchased for $50,000 at the 2014 Keeneland September Sale, is likely to return in the $250,000 Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) on the Florida Derby Day program April 2.