Maraud, Originator impress at Gulfstream Park

A pair of three-year-olds made a fine impression on the turf this weekend at Gulfstream Park, with both showing stakes quality.

In the Saturday finale, the Todd Pletcher-trained MARAUD made easy work of what looked like a decent turf allowance field and I am intrigued with this one going forward. $375,000 son of Blame rated early while always in range and really took command in the stretch on his way to a two-length score.

After recording a closing third in the Pilgrim S. (G3) in his juvenile finale (#6 in photo) and a strong debut score on the Saratoga turf, bay colt earned a hefty 99 BRIS Late Pace figure and will be facing stakes runners in his subsequent outing.

Maraud has a lot of turf in his pedigree and his three-parts brother, Arklow, came home first in the 2017 American Turf (G2) at Churchill Downs. But when an outfit has a three-year-old with a lot of talent this time of year, they often get itchy and give them a whirl on the dirt, which I expect will happen with this colt soon.

Sunday’s finale at Gulfstream pitted three-year-old fillies sprinting on the lawn at five panels. After touting Cicatrix as a Kentucky Oaks (G1) contender for conditioner Ian Wilkes, I was impressed by another first-out winner from a trainer who rarely wins with horses making their debut.

ORIGINATOR tracked from off this pace in this five-furlong heat and roared home in superb fashion, finishing three lengths clear under the wire. $70,000 two-year-old purchase overcame trouble and still dominated while blazing home in a wicked :10 4/5 for her final furlong.

While she just has a single run under her belt, I think this lass has a bright future and will be heard from this campaign. Daughter of Artie Schiller is cut out to excel at distances longer than this and I am looking forward to Originator’s next performance.