With a late surge to the finish, Otello split horses in deep stretch for a half-length victory over First World War in the $150,000 Mucho Macho Man Stakes at Gulfstream Park on Monday (Jan. 1).
Ridden by Luis Saez, the newly-turned 3-year-old son of Curlin overcame traffic at the top of the stretch. With no room to move along the rail to pass tiring pacesetter Everdoit, Saez moved his colt outside before moving past First World War and Sea Streak, who finished third.
Otello ($5.40), trained by Christophe Clement, was the 8-5 favorite in the field of six after Boy Magic and Orb Alpha were scratched.
While no Kentucky Derby (G1) qualifying points were available, the 1-mile Mucho Macho Man is a first step on the Florida road to upcoming preps – with points – to the Run for the Roses.
Otello is now 2-for-2 after winning his debut at Aqueduct on Nov. 24.
“He won first time out in New York, and he won well, got into a lot of trouble. The same applied today, so I guess he likes to be in trouble,’’ Clement said. “But he won well, and he got out of the trouble. He was good enough to overcome it. I’m thrilled. I don’t train too many Curlins, so it’s nice when it works out.”
Winning time was 1:37.76.
The next Derby prep, a Gulfstream – with qualifying points – is the Holy Bull (G3) on Feb. 3.
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