One More Start for Successful Song

When Successful Song captured the Ocala Stakes at Gulfstream Park on Dec. 30, trainer Eddie Plesa Jr. was aware that he might have been visiting the winner’s circle with the multiple stakes-winning mare for the last time.

Scheduled to be retired in time for the 2013 breeding season, Successful Song has earned in excess of $400,000 for Live Oak Plantation during her four-year racing career that includes four stakes triumphs.

“How much more can you do?” Plesa said. “She deserves it.”

However, the daughter of Successful Appeal came out of her Ocala score at “110 percent,” earning one more trip to post for the $300,000 Florida Sunshine Millions Distaff at Gulfstream on Jan. 19.

Win or lose, though, the 6-year-old mare will be retired to begin her broodmare career following the race.

"They’ve got two new stallions that they need to send mares to,” Plesa said. “I think that’s the main reason she’s going to the shed.”