BY BROCK SHERIDAN

Midnight Martini produced an impressive debut at Gulfstream Park Friday as the Florida-bred filly took a five-furlong maiden special weight on the turf by two lengths. Owned by Valerie and Hugh Dailey’s Blue Crevalle Racing in partnership with Torie Gladwell, Midnight Martini was the best of ten 3-year-old fillies, earning the winner’s share of $49,400 of the $76,600 purse.

Ridden by Javier Castellano, Midnight Martini was away midpack from post five but quick to split rivals and wrestle the lead from Sugar Doll, who started quickest from the outside post. Midnight Martini was a half-length in front of Sugar Doll into the bend after darting through a quarter mile in a fast :21.27 but shook off her challenger through a half mile in :43.82. She sprinted clear by two-and-a-half lengths in midstretch then finished up two lengths in front of a late-running Horsing Around in second with Mermaid a head farther back in third.

Trained by Mark Casse, Midnight Martini completed the distance in :55.95 on the firm turf and paid $21.60 to win.

By freshman sire Yaupon, Midnight Martini is out of the Successful Appeal mare Tex Appeal, who Valerie Daily purchased for $6,500 out of the Top Line Sales consignment at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Fall Mixed Sale in October of 2015. Midnight Martini was bred in Florida by Valerie Dailey and Torie Gladwell in the name of Southern Wives Partners.

Tex Appeal has produced eight foals and all winners among her six starters including stakes-placed Gastown, by Vancouver (Aus). Tex Appeal has an unnamed 2-year-old colt by Ocala Stud’s Colonel Liam that Valerie Dailey said is being planned for an upcoming 2-year-old sale at OBS. The colt was also bred in Florida by Southern Wives Partners. Tex Appeal was bred to Cogburn in 2025.

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