Beatrice Oxenberg’s HEY BYRN (Put It Back) took command in the stretch and drew off to a convincing, six-length tally in the
3RD race at Gulfstream Park on Sunday, a second-level allowance event for sophomores. The
Eddie Plesa Jr. trainee rated just off the pace early before confronting his foes
approaching the final turn, and the Florida-bred cruised home from there under
Edgar Prado, clocking the 1 1/8 miles in 1:52 3/5 on a track labeled fast.
Toiling in Hey Byrn’s wake were a few three-year-olds who were well regarded
by their connections. Wonder Mon (Maria’s Mon) closed for second, three-quarters
of a length ahead of Sleuse (Grand Slam). Bordeaux Bandit (Vindication) was a
weary fourth, while the 9-5 favorite, Alaazo (A.P. Indy), wound up last in the
six-horse field.
“I’m really pleased with the way this horse has come around this year,” Plesa
said of Hey Byrn. “We had to stop on him last year with a little blood
infection. It’s very special to have a good one like this for Mrs. Oxenberg, who
named him after her late husband (Bernie).”
Last seen taking an allowance
race by 14 1/2 lengths in his yearly debut, the much-improved colt now boasts a
6-3-2-0, $126,000 mark, which includes a placing in the Affirmed S. Plesa
indicated that the $1 million Florida Derby (G1) on March 29 would be the next
start for the bay.
“It’s on to the Florida Derby from here, although we’ll need to find another
rider because Edgar will be riding in Dubai that day,” the trainer said.