Curlin’s Catch Proves Uncatchable in Suncoast

OLDSMAR, FL – Once she took the lead, Breeze Easy’s Curlin’s Catch proved uncatchable in Saturday’s $150,000 Suncoast Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs.

Curlin’s Catch was the 9/5 favorite under Antonio Gallardo and remained in a mid-pack trip until she was nearly finished rounding the far turn, when she shifted out to split rivals and eventually drew off to win by 4 1/2 lengths.

The Mark Casse trainee completed the fast 1-mile and 40-yard dirt route in 1:40.89.

“I had a lot of horse turning for home, and when I saw (rival jockeys) asking theirs and going nowhere, I was pretty confident,” Gallardo said. “Everything worked out perfect.”

Pacesetting Be Sneaky held second by a 1/2-length over Il Malocchio, with Special Princess another 3/4 of a length behind them.

Feeling Mischief, Roll Up Mo Money, and Scenic Overlook completed the order of finish.

Gulf Coast, Honorifique, and Jade Empress scratched.

The Suncoast is part of the Road to the 2021 Kentucky Oaks prep race season. Curlin’s Catch earned 10 points for the win, with Be Sneaky receiving 4 for second, Il Malocchio 2 for third, and Special Princess 1 for fourth.

Curlin’s Catch won her second straight following a maiden-breaking effort at Gulfstream Park January 3 and improved the Ontario-bred Curlin filly’s overall record to 4-2-1-0 with $103,454 earned.

“Every piece is a step, like a puzzle, and you never know how they are going to react to the next level of competition,” Casse said. “I don’t think we could ask her to do much better than she did today. She comes from a wonderful family and I think we have to think a little about some bigger things down the road”

Curlin’s Catch returned $5.60 to win, $3.60 to place, and $2.80 to show. Be Sneaky brought back $5.20 to place and $3.60 to show, while Il Malocchio paid $3 to show.