Making his first start after being pulled up in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1), Skippylongstocking will try to repeat as the victor of the $100,000 Challenger Stakes (G3) March 9 at Tampa Bay Downs.
Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. said following the Pegasus that the millionaire son of Exaggerator was fine, believing the 5-year-old owned by Daniel Alonso overheated. Now, Skippylongstocking returns to the scene of one of his two victories last year. The race’s 1 1/16-mile distance has been kind to him, with him going 2-for-3.
Despite all of his achievements, Skippylongstocking’s race before the Pegasus may seem more of a footnote. He finished third, nearly four lengths back, in the Nov. 4 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1). That race is remembered for its scintillating ending that resulted in Cody’s Wish narrowly defeating National Treasure .
Tyler Gaffalione rides Skippylongstocking, who should be on or near the pace in Saturday’s race.
The Todd Pletcher-trained graded stakes winner Dynamic One , seventh in the Pegasus last time out, also receives class relief. The late-running 6-year-old son of Union Rags finished third in the 2022 edition of the Challenger.
But it will be a different perspective for him as, for the first time since his debut, Dynamic One will exit the starting gate without blinkers. He races for owners Repole Stable, Phipps Stable, and St. Elias Stable.
Pletcher is a four-time winner of the Challenger, three of which came after the race was graded.
Entries: $100,000 Michelob Ultra Challenger S. (G3)
Tampa Bay Downs, Saturday, March 09, 2024, Race 6
- Grade III
- 1 1/16m
- Dirt
- $100,000
- 4 yo’s & up
- 2:27 PM (local)
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