There are moments in racing when a young horse announces himself with authority, and Saturday at Gulfstream Park, Khozalite did just that. For a colt whose trainer believes may shine even brighter on grass, Khozalite showcased poise and professionalism, rolling to a four-length victory in the $200,000 Affirmed Stakes.
The seven-furlong Affirmed, the final leg of a trio of stakes worth $470,000 on Gulfstream’s 12-race card, saw 2-year-olds by accredited Florida stallions compete for glory in the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association Florida Sire Stakes series. The series, which kicked off with the $100,000 Dr. Fager Sept. 6, wraps up with the $300,000 In Reality on Nov. 29. Khozalite, representing Half Hollow Stables and ProRacing Stable, now sits squarely in contention for the finale.
Ridden confidently by Leonel Reyes and trained by Jose D’Angelo, Khozalite ($9.20) covered a fast main track in 1:23.30, marking his second consecutive win after a two-length turf mile triumph on Aug. 30.
“I think he’s going to be better on turf. The key with him is the distance,” D’Angelo said. “That’s why I ran him on the grass, because the two turns are what he needs. He was ready today, and I’m very happy with him. I’m proud of his race.”
From the start, Wootun jumped out alertly to set the pace, leading the first quarter in 22.65 seconds with Khozalite pressing from the outside. Strategic Risk, a Gulfstream debut winner and recent graded-stakes competitor at Saratoga, sat patiently inside while Hawk made his presence felt.
As they approached the far turn, Khozalite inherited the lead as Wootun began to fade, and once in the stretch, he drew clear. Squire closed late to challenge, but Khozalite had enough in reserve to win decisively. The final order saw Squire second, just ahead of Strategic Risk, with Hawk fourth. The remaining order was Trelawny, All to Win, I’m Tuff Enough, He’s My Uncle, Micanopy, Wootun, and Camigol.
Reyes, aboard Khozalite for each of his starts, said, “The trip was perfect. His outside post was ideal, and when I asked him at the quarter pole, he responded beautifully. He felt really good after his last work, and it showed today.”
Looking ahead, D’Angelo confirmed Khozalite’s next target: the 1 1/16-mile In Reality Stakes on Nov. 29, a fitting challenge for a colt who thrives over distance.
Read the full race report on Khozalite’s $200,000 Affirmed Stakes win at RaceBuzz.
