Prevalence makes it two from two at Gulfstream Park

Exciting three-year-old Prevalence backed up a sensational debut with another dominant display at Gulfstream Park, USA, as he coasted to a comprehensive win in a mile allowance optional claimer on Thursday, 11 March.

The Medaglia d’Oro colt, who scored by eight and a half lengths on his introduction for Brendan Walsh at the same course in January, disputed a close third initially before progressing to second after the first three furlongs.

Prevalence cruised up to hit the front at the top of the straight and forged clear in the final furlong under minimal effort from Tyler Gaffalione, coming home an easy three lengths clear of Southern Passage.

Brendan Walsh said: “I thought Prevalence ran really well. I am very pleased that we got to run here rather than throw him in the deep end after just one race. I think it was important that he got to do this today and it was a nice experience for the horse. Overall, we are very pleased.

“He had a minor issue but it was at an important time if we were going to run in the G2 Fountain of Youth Stakes (Saturday, 27 February). We obviously couldn’t work him and that put paid to that race. Thankfully, it worked out and hats off to the crew at Gulfstream for getting this race to go – I think it was very important for the horse.

“Obviously, he would have to run in one of the later Kentucky Derby prep-races, possibly the G1 Arkansas Derby, the G2 Wood Memorial maybe or a slight chance of the G2 Blue Grass Stakes. We will get back, talk to the team, see how he comes out of this and go with a plan from here.”

Tyler Gaffalione said: “We were hoping that Prevalence would take that next step forward. Stretching out to a mile was a question but he took everything in his stride and was a very professional horse for only running twice. I really think this horse has a bright future.

“He got lost a little bit when he made the lead today and was looking at the grandstand but there is a lot left in him. I am hoping that I get to the bottom of it one day.”