BY BROCK SHERIDAN

Conviction, an $800,000 Florida-bred at this year’s Ocala Breeders’ Sale Spring Sale, debuted in style Saturday at Gulfstream Park as the odds-on favorite in a maiden special weight for 2-year-old Florida-breds. Ridden by Rasheed Hughes, Conviction won by three lengths in a field of six traveling five furlongs on the main track.

Conviction allowed Ez David to sprint to a length lead initially but had him in his sights after a quarter mile finished in :22.07. Conviction and Ez David were even with three-eighths of a mile to run with Little Prince eight lengths back in third before Conviction got clear turning for home. Conviction was two lengths in front in midstretch then cruised home to win by three lengths in 1:00.02 on the fast track. Little Prince took second three lengths back with Ez David holding third. Too Tall Blake, Hot Rod, Bella Napoli and Naughty Whisper completed the order of finish.

Florida-bred Thoroughbred Conviction stands proudly in the center of the OBS Sale ring during the 2026 Spring Sale. The sign above the bay colt’s head reads, “Hip 714, $800,000.” (Photo: ©Judit Seipert)

Conviction selling at the 2026 OBS Spring Sale – ©Judit Seipert

Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr. for MyRacehorse, Chris Coleman, Skywest Stables, Martin Raizman and breeder Nancy Stone, Conviction earned $39,000. He is by Tiz the Law out of Deep Trouble, by Into Mischief and is a full brother to Florida-bred Curtain Call, who was third in last year’s Spendthrift Farm Hopeful (Grade 1) at Saratoga.

Unraced Deep Trouble has five starters, all winners, from seven foals with Curtain Call her only stakes winner. Stone purchased Deep Trouble in foal to Tiz the Law for $35,000 at the 2022 Keeneland November Sale.

Steven Venosa’s SGV Thoroughbred consigned Conviction to this year’s OBS Spring Sale where MyRacehorse and Joseph signed the ticket to purchase the colt.