Stat secures second stakes win of the day and the third of the weekend for trainer Joseph
BY BROCK SHERIDAN
C2 Racing Stable LLC’s Florida-bred Stat improved his 2024 record to three wins in four starts with his first career stakes victory in the $90,000 Soldier’s Dancer at Gulfstream Park Sunday. With Edgard Zayas aboard, the 5-year-old overpowered his rivals coming out of the far turn to take a clear lead in the stretch and win by a length-and-a-quarter while facing seven rivals going a mile on the turf.
The Soldier’s Dancer victory was the second stakes victory of the day for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., who earlier won the Grade 2 Delaware Handicap with Honor D Lady. Saturday, Joseph won the $110,000 Smile Sprint at Gulfstream with Florida-bred Comedy Town.
Florida-bred Themanupfront and Jesus Rios took a one-length lead down the backstretch of the Soldier’s Dancer with Stat tracking him in second from a length back. Themanupfront continued to lead through a :49.81 half-mile then challenged for the lead around the far turn.
With little urging from Zayas, Stat took over at the top of the stretch and maintained a clear lead under the wire to win in 1:35.93 on the firm turf. Nova Sol (Brz) was a length-and-three-quarters back in second with Bluebirds Over another length back in third. They were followed by Florida-bred Souper Energizer, Themanupfront, Eyes On the King and Florida-bred Starship Renegade. Florida-breds Sir Saffer and K. C. Chief; plus Champions Dream and Amstrong were scratched.
Stat started the year winning two of three, all against upper-level, $62,500 optional claimers on the Gulfstream Park turf. He led from start to finish in winning by a length-and-a-half going a mile on Feb. 8 but then finished fourth behind winner J P Hellish at seven-and-a-half furlongs on March 21. The Soldier’s Dancer was his first start since winning by a head going a mile on April 27.
Stat is by Will Take Charge out of Scatmeifucan, by Scat Daddy and was bred in Florida by Rebecca Wing. Stat is the only black-type performer for Scatmeifucan, who has produced three winners from as many starters. She has an unnamed yearling filly by Connect and was bred to Practical Joke in 2023.
Stat was a $20,000 purchase by L. Jay Cuccia at the 2020 Ocala Breeders’ Sales October Yearling Sale where he was consigned by Dynasty Thoroughbreds.
