Grande Posts Big Win in Ghostzapper, Extends Perfect Start to 2026 Campaign

Gulfstream: See winners on Florida Derby 2026 undercard

Repole Stable's Grande controlled the pace from the inside and turned back a late bid from Capital Idea to score by 3/4 of a length Saturday in the Grade 3, $175,000 Ghostzapper Stakes at Gulfstream Park, remaining undefeated in four starts at the track. John Velazquez rode the victory for trainer Todd Pletcher in the 1 1/16-mile dirt race for older horses, which drew seven starters after scratches to Forged Steel and Timeout. The Curlin colt br…

Grande Posts Big Win in Ghostzapper, Extends Perfect Start to 2026 Campaign

They bet him like he couldn't lose, and Grande (Curlin) came through for his supporters to win his first graded stakes in the GIII Ghostzapper Stakes on Florida Derby Day at Gulfstream Park. One of the most talked about 3-year-olds last season, both for his ability and as a high-profile vet scratch from Kentucky Derby 151 due to a foot issue, the son of Curlin has lost only once in his career–a runner-up effort in the GII Wood Memorial Stakes th…