BY BROCK SHERIDAN

Let go at odds of 8-1 after finishing last in his debut in an off-the-turf maiden special weight, Florida-bred Playing for Gin led from flag to finish to win a $53,060 maiden special weight on the grass at Laurel Park Friday. Trained by Michael Trombetta, the Live Oak Plantation homebred was the best among a dozen 2-year-olds who raced a mile on a good turf.

Jockey Jose Batista allowed an eager Playin for Gin to make the lead into the clubhouse turn where he drifted out before getting back on track to create a length-and-a-half advantage on Ecce Quam Bonum (Ire) in second through an easy :24.10 first quarter mile. Playin for Gin maintained that margin with a half mile in :48.99 then pulled away to lead by three lengths after six furlongs in 1:13.44. Ecce Quam Bonum closed the gap in the stretch but Playin for Gin crossed under the wire a length in front in 1:38.56 with Ecce Qum Bonum second. Toledo Bend was a length-and-a-half farther back in third.

Playin for Gin paid $19 to win and earned $28,200.

 

He also picked up a $3,000 Export Incentive for breeder and Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association member Charlotte Weber in the name of  her Live Oak Stud.

Playin for Gin is by Ocala Stud’s Win Win Win, also a homebred for Live Oak, and is the first foal out of Quality Control, by Quality Road. Quality Control has a Florida-bred yearling colt, Souper Popular, by Uncle Mo; and a Florida-bred weanling colt by Not This Time.

Souper Popular sold to One More Time Thoroughbreds for $35,000 out of Richard Kent’s Kaizen Sales consignment at this year’s Ocala Breeders’ Sales October Yearling Sale.

Return to the November 14 issue of Wire to Wire