Congrats colt Toasting Master broke his maiden by four lengths at Churchill Downs on Saturday and trainer Dale Romans is already predicting some stakes action in the near future.
“When this horse learns a thing or two, he’s going to be really serious,” Romans said. “It was an easy win on talent alone against a nice group of two-year-olds.
“We can begin dreamin’ of the Kentucky Derby!”
Toasting Master (2c Congrats – Broadway Gold by Seeking the Gold) had been runner-upon debut at Churchill Downs in September and resumed with a front-running victory back under the Twin Spires.
After breaking alertly, he took command and cut the corner before drawing off in the stretch. “He was much better than in his first start but is still looking around a little bit and has room to mature,” jockey Miguel Mena said. “I love this horse.”
Toasting Master was purchased by West Point Thoroughbreds for $220,000 at the Ocala 2YO Sale in March. He is a three quarter brother to stakes winner R Gypsy Gold and a half brother to 2012 Kentucky Oaks runner-up Broadway Alibi & Group winner Golden Lad.
“Talk about a running family,” Romans said. “He’s a Florida-bred so will spend the winter at Gulfstream Park.”
Romans also trains Congrats filly Temper Mint Patty who won a Belmont juvenile on debut before blitzing a Listed field by 13 lengths at Belmont in September.
Congrats (A P Indy) just missed out on another stakes winner when his 3yo filly Flutterby was runner-up in the LR Millions Distaff Preview (1600m) at Gulfstream Park on Saturday.
The Vinery shuttler has climbed to third spot on the North American 2YO sires’ premiership behind Giant’s Causeway and Afleet Alex. There have been 14 individual winners from his first Kentucky-bred crop and they have earned $1.60 million.
His G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies runner-up Top Decile has gone for a spell. Trainer Al Stall confirmed she will miss the G2 Golden Rod Stakes at Churchill Downs on November 29.
