Always Dreaming got 2024 off to a strong with three winners in the first week of the year, topped by Tocayo’s front-running score in the Dania Beach S. Jan. 6 at Gulfstream Park.
Tocayo, who was making just his second stakes start on Saturday, asserted himself from the start of the one-mile turf race and set moderate fractions of :50.08 for the half-mile and 1:13.77 for six furlongs. When set down for the drive, Tocayo responded very well and was full of run through the stretch, winning by nearly two lengths in 1:36.37 on a firm turf.
“He was travelling very well in front,” said winning jockey Jorge Ruiz. “He’s a nice horse. The horse was relaxed and comfortable on the lead. The plan was to go to the front and not fight with him.”
Tocayo is trained by Rodolfo Sanchez-Solomon for owner-breeder Lugamo Racing Stables LLC. The 3-year-old colt is 3-3-2 in 11 starts, with earnings of $176,465.
A top-12 Second-Crop sire of 2023, Always Dreaming’s progeny, highlighted by Pennsylvania Derby (G1) winner Saudi Crown, earned over $3 million last year. Always Dreaming stands this year at WinStar for $5,000 S&N.
