Undefeated Carribean Caper working toward her first Grade 1

Carribean Caper emerged from her six-length victory in Saturday’s Dogwood Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs in good order, according to trainer Al Stall Jr.

“(Wednesday) was her first day going back to the track,” Stall told Horse Racing Nation. “We’re happy with her post-race.”

The 3-year-old Speightstown filly left the race with her undefeated record intact through five trips. Under jockey Colby Hernandez, she went for the lead at the quarter pole, then widened the gap down the stretch for a dominant win.

Stall said he was thrilled with her in that race.

“That was one of the better trips she’s had,” Stall said. “She’s been bounced around out of the gate at Ellis Park both times and stumbled out of the gate at Churchill. (This time) she broke cleanly and Colby did a nice job getting outside that speed and setting her up for when it came time to pull the trigger.”

The filly’s outstanding season has come as no surprise to Stall. The trainer said he saw her potential from her very first start.

In that race, a $60,000 maiden at Fair Grounds, Carribean Caper stayed on the pace then took the lead in the top of the stretch, eventually winning by eight lengths.

“She ran that first race at Fair Grounds – you don’t run a first time starter wrapped up in nine and change on that racetrack too often,” Stall said.

She was purchased at the 2019 Keeneland September yearling sale for $250,000 by Columbine Stable. Stall said he thought she had potential after seeing her there.

“She’s not overly big,” Stall said. “She's a first foal on the mare (Checkupfromzneckup) and kind of looks like she’s a first foal. I’ve seen the second and third foal, and they're bigger animals, but she’s a beautiful horse. All her lines are straight, and she’s correct all the way around."

The trainer said he spaces her races with an emphasis on keeping her weight up.

Next, Stall said, he will select from three possible destinations: the Raven Run (G2) on Oct. 23 at Keeneland, Dream Supreme on Nov. 13 at Churchill Downs or the Chulukki (G2) on Nov. 20, also at Churchill. The trainer said whatever race she runs will be a prep for the La Brea (G1).

That race is scheduled for Dec. 26, Santa Anita’s opening day.

“We want to run one race in between now and then,” Stall said. “We’re just going to take it as it comes from here.”

Stall also gave an update on Ohio Derby (G3) winner Masqueparade, who finished fifth in the Travers (G1) at Saratoga in his most recent trip on Aug. 28. The colt is on a farm in South Carolina, taking a winter break.

The trainer said Masqueparade could use the rest after he ran once a month for eight straight months and training hard to make his first race.

“We imagine he’s really going to turn into an A+ physical specimen with the time.”