Vito’s Wildcat Favored in Friday’s Juvenile Feature

Encouraged by the last work, a sharp half-mile out of the gate against an elder stablemate, trainer David Fawkes will unveil Monarch Stables Inc. 2-year-old homebred Vito’s Wildcat Friday at Gulfstream Park.

The open 4 ½-furlong maiden special weight is the second juvenile race of the season in South Florida, following Thursday’s similar event for 2-year-old fillies. It goes as Race 2 on a nine-race program that begins at 12:50 p.m.

Vito’s Wildcat drew Post 2 under Paco Lopez and is the 9-5 program favorite in an overflow field of 13 that includes three horses on the also-eligible list.

“I like the little guy. He’s all right. If he breaks quick, he’ll be right there,” Fawkes said. “It’s all in the break going 4 ½. If you don’t break, you’re done.”

Vito’s Wildcat is by Greenpointcrusader, winner of the 2015 Champagne (G1) in his third start at 2. Of his 35 2-year-old first-time starters, Greenpointcrusader has had five winners (14 percent).

Since joining Fawkes’ string at Gulfstream, Vito’s Wildcat has breezed four times over the main track including a half-mile move from the gate in 47.93 seconds April 12, ninth-fastest of 79 horses.