BY BROCK SHERIDAN
Caribbean Comet was placed first through disqualification of Souper Handsome in a maiden $50,000 optional claiming race at Gulfstream Park Sunday, giving Pleasant Acres Stallions’ Magic On Tap his first winner.
Trained by Patrick Biancone and ridden by J.G. Torrealba, Caribbean Comet was among six 2-year-olds going a mile-and-70-yards on the all-weather course and with the four other registered Florida-breds—Souper Handsome, Strike, Too Tall Black and Thanks Charlie—raced under maiden special weight conditions. Only Kentucky-bred Eyeway ran for a $50,000 claiming price.
In addition to earning the $25,750 winner’s share of the $45,000 purse, Caribbean Comet also took down a $25,000 Florida Sire Racing Incentive bonus paid directly by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association.
Capped at $1 million in 2026, the FSRI program pays the bonus to eligible Florida-sired, Florida-bred winners of maiden special weight, allowance, allowance optional claiming and stakes for 2-year-olds at Gulfstream and Tampa Bay Downs. The $25,000 bonus is split $20,000 to the owner and $5,000 to the breeder.
Caribbean Comet raced fourth of six though a half-mile in :49.29 then advanced in the stretch to take second, a length-and-a-half behind Souper Handsome. After a steward’s inquiry and an object by jockey Samy Camacho on Strike, Souper Handsome was disqualified and placed third behind Strike, who was moved up to second. Too Tall Blake was fourth followed by Thanks Charlie. Eyeway did not finish and Alessman was scratched.
The final time for the race was 1:43.42 and Caribbean Comet paid $8.20 to win.
Caribbean Comet is out of Red Rounder, by English Channel and was bred in Florida by Matt and Lona Vuskovich’s Matalona Thoroughbreds in Gainesville. He has earned $29,050 in the three career starts for owner Calypso Stables 2024
Caribbean Comet was a $27,000 purchase by Mark O’Brien at the 2025 Ocala Breeders’ Sales October Yearling Sale where he was consigned by Lisa McGreevy’s Abbie Road Farm.
Return to the October 6 issue of Wire to Wire
