BY GULFSTREAM PARK PRESS OFFICE

HALLANDALE BEACH, FL–Trainer Edgar Coto notched his first victory with his first starter Saturday at Gulfstream Park, visiting the winner’s circle following My Rich Uncle’s going-away triumph in Race 2.

Coto also owns My Rich Uncle, a 2-year-old Florida-bred son of Uncle Chuck who graduated by nearly two lengths under Jose Morelos while making his debut in the seven-and-a-half-furlong $35,000 maiden claiming race that was moved from turf to the synthetic course.

The 41-year-old Guatemala native who currently lives and trains in Ocala, Fla., previously worked for trainer Mary Lightner, who saddled Soto-owned Imperiously for his first two victories as an owner last year at Gulfstream.

“It feels great to win my first race with my first starter,” Soto said. “I was working for Mary Lightner in Ocala, but now I am doing everything myself.”

Soto currently has four horses in training, including Chispuda, a 2-year-old daughter of Chance It whom he bred and owns and who was saddled by Lightner for a third-place finish in her May 22 at Gulfstream.

Return to the August 23 issue of Wire to Wire