He had to work hard for it, but Capo Bastone made his 2013 debut a winning one when he wore down Offlee Fast to win a 1 1/16th miles allowance optional claiming race at Gulfstream Park by a head.
The son of Street Boss was making his first start since finishing third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I) last November at Santa Anita Park. Sent off as the 3-2 favorite under jockey John Velazquez, Capo Bastone got hung wide entering the first turn, and soon found himself racing on the outside in fifth place as Offlee Fast led the way through quick fractions of :22.60 and :46.66 seconds. Duke of the City, Edge of Reality, and Sky Commander were his closest pursuers, while Irsaal, Taken by the Storm, and Finn's Quest trailed the field.
Following three-quarters of a mile in 1:12.84, Capo Bastone advanced strongly on the outside to challenge Offlee Fast for the lead, but the leader was not yet will to relinquish his advance, and dug in gamely turning for home. The two colts then staged a thrilling battle to the wire, with Capo Bastone edging his game rival by a head.
The final time over the sloppy track was 1:48.16. Finn's Quest rallied well to finish third, beaten about three lengths, while Duke of the City, Irsaal, Taken by the Storm, Edge of Reality, and Sky Commander completed the order of finish.
The winner is owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and is trained by Todd Pletcher. He has now compiled a record of 2-0-2 from 5 starts, with earnings of $314,100.
-Keelerman
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