Algorithms bests Consortium in Gulfstream allowance

Starlight Racing's two-year-old Algorithms ran like a star on the rise Friday

when winning the

3RD race, a first-level allowance, at Gulfstream Park by one length over Darley

Stable's highly-regarded 4-5 favorite Consortium.

The first two finishers, both colts by Bernardini, were making their second career

starts after impressive debut victories in New York earlier this year.

Jockey Javier Castellano sat confidently in a stalking position third on the

outside down the backstretch of the 6-1/2 furlong test with Seven Kind

setting the pace from the inside in the field of six. Consortium raced between

them in second with John Velazquez in the saddle.

A $175,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase, Algorithms wore down

Consortium in deep stretch for the victory and paid $4.20 after being timed in

1:15 2/5 over the fast track. Seven Kind finished third, 4 1/2 lengths behind

the runner-up.

Algorithms won his only previous start on June 3 at Belmont Park

by 5 1/4 lengths going five furlongs for trainer Todd Pletcher

"It was a big effort in his first start since June," Pletcher said. "We've

always had high hopes for him and expected him to run well, but we knew he was

running against another nice colt (Consortium) that had shown promise. He came

out of the maiden race with a minor hock issue. He didn't need surgery, just

time.

"We'll see how he comes out of this, but timing-wise, the (Grade 3) Holy Bull

(Stakes on January 29) makes the most sense with the gradual stretch-out (one

mile). With his pedigree we're thinking big things for him."