Trainer Michael Yates couldn’t hide his delight on Sunday as he greeted Finding Strength back in the winner’s circle at Gulfstream Park. The two-year-old filly had just surged clear in front of a lively crowd, and Yates leaned in with a quiet kiss to her nose – the kind of simple gesture that told the story of both affection and expectation. Beside him, jockey Jesús Rios raised three fingers skyward, marking his third win of the day, while owners from LNJ Foxwoods and Church Street Stable beamed with pride.
It was another bright moment in what has already been a summer to savour for Yates. His tally now stands at eight wins during Gulfstream’s Royal Palm Meet, five of them supplied by juveniles. Four, including Finding Strength, are nominated to the Florida Sire Stakes Series that begins next month.
Finding Strength Gulfstream Park success
Bred in Florida by Elizabeth LaPierre and Jennifer Given, the daughter of Khozan out of Strength in Unity made quick work of her rivals in the 5½-furlong state-bred maiden special weight. Tracking the leaders in third through a sharp 22.02 opening quarter, she moved smoothly under Rios around the far turn, drew level by the half-mile in 46.05, and once straightened for home, opened up with authority. The winning margin was 4½ lengths in 1:04.80 on the fast track.
“She really moved forward from her first start,” Yates said afterwards. “Her debut was solid, but she left herself with a lot to do and had to go wide. This time she showed us what we hoped she could. We were thrilled.”
It capped a memorable afternoon for Yates, who earlier sent out juvenile colt Garretts On the Go to break his maiden on turf. Both are Florida Sire Stakes-nominated, keeping the trainer’s momentum strong heading into the prestigious series.
Florida Sire Stakes looms large
The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association’s $1.2 million Florida Sire Stakes Series opens September 6 with the $100,000 Desert Vixen for fillies and $100,000 Dr. Fager for colts and geldings. Later legs include the Susan’s Girl and Affirmed in October, before the My Dear Girl and In Reality close the curtain in November.
Yates knows the path well. Last year he swept the colt division with the unbeaten Rated by Merit, sidelined this spring but recently back in training at Saratoga. He has also previously won the Desert Vixen with Go Jo Jo Go (2020) and the Dr. Fager with Cajun’s Magic (2021) and Cajun Firecracker (2018).
Where Finding Strength goes next is still undecided. “We wanted to get Sunday behind us and then make a plan,” Yates admitted. “She’s earned her place in the conversation, and we’ll see where she takes us.”
With her decisive Gulfstream Park victory, Finding Strength has added her name to one of the deepest juvenile squads Yates has assembled in recent years. The Florida Sire Stakes will provide the next proving ground, but for now, the Royal Palm Meet belongs to a filly who lived up to her name and gave her trainer, jockey, and connections reason to dream bigger.
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