The parade of impressive Todd Pletcher-trained maiden special weight winners into Gulfstream Park's winner's circle continued Sunday following a sharp debut score by Shadwell Stable's Zaajel at the Hallandale Beach, Fla., track.
The homebred daughter of Street Sense ($8.20) drew off to a 7 ¼-length victory in Race 7, a seven-furlong sprint for 2-year-old fillies.
“She'd been training forwardly. She was a half-step slow from the gate the other morning – she tossed her head a little at the break. We stood her a few times and she was good, so we went ahead and ran her today, thinking she was ready to go,” Pletcher said. “Seven furlongs is a good starting point for her.”
Zaajel stalked the early pace set by Mail Order, a debuting son of Liam's Map for trainer Bill Mott, before making a move on the turn to take the lead at the top of the stretch and drawing away to a comfortable win under Luis Saez.
“We'll play it by ear. She's clearly a filly that wants more distance. That's always exciting when you have one break their maiden at a shorter distance,” Pletcher said.
Zaajel ran seven furlongs in 1:23.81 to prevail over Pletcher-trained Unbridled d'Oro, the 2-1 favorite who closed from 10th to finish second under Irad Ortiz Jr.
Pletcher, who is seeking to capture his 17th Championship Meet title, has enjoyed early-season success with debut winners, including WinStar Farm LLC and CHC Inc.'s Prime Factor, a highly promising juvenile son of Quality Road who scored by 8 ¾ lengths Dec. 12, and Shadwell's Arham, a 3-year-old son of Union Rags who graduated by eight lengths on Wednesday. Pletcher also scored on Dec. 12 with Donegal Racing's Donegal Bay, a juvenile son of Uncle Mo who graduated by 4 ¼ lengths.
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