Graded Winner Octane Entered to Defend Title in Gil Campbell
At 0h02, on October 16, 2024 • By Gulfstream Park
The 43rd edition of the Florida Sire Stakes continues Saturday at Gulfstream Park with Rated by Merrit trying to run his unbeaten streak to three in the $200,000 Affirmed and R Morning Brew also trying to remain undefeated in three starts in the $200,000 Susan’s Girl.
The seven-furlong events for juveniles highlights a 12-race program that also includes the $100,000 FTBOA Gil Campbell Memorial at a mile on the main track and three maiden special weight events at six furlongs and a mile for 2-year-old colts and geldings and a mile turf event for 2-year-old fillies.
The Gil Campbell Memorial (Race 3) drew a field of seven including Arindel’s homebred Octane. The 5-year-old son of Brethren traveled to Oaklawn earlier this year to win the Razorback (G2). The gelding will make his first start since finishing seventh July 6 in the Smile Sprint. He went off the favorite in the Smile after a victory May 25 in the Big Drama. Octane will make his first start for trainer Jorge Delgado and will be ridden by Edgar Zayas.
Octane’s competition will include Classic Car Wash. Trained by Mark Casse, Classic Car Wash finished second in 2023 in the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) behind recent Woodward (G2) winner Tapit Trice. The 4-year-old son of Noble Bird returned from a three-month layoff Aug. 24 to finish sixth in the Benny the Bull at seven furlongs on a muddy track.
