Avie's Flatter takes Transylvania in season debut

Avie's Flatter turned in a winning stretch kick in his first start of the year in Friday's $150,000 Transylvania (G3) at Keeneland.

Ridden by Javier Castellano, Avie's Flatter rated in between rivals a few lengths off a pace set by Onthewaytonevrland. The son of Flatter was asked for run in upper stretch and readily responded to win by a half-length over the rallying favorite Henley's Joy. The Black Album edged War Film for third.

A homebred campaigned by Ivan Dalos, Avie's Flatter returned $10 after completing 1 1/16 miles on firm turf in 1:42.86.

Avie's Flatter has now won four of five starts. Opening his account with a 2 1/2-length maiden win going five furlongs over Tapeta at Woodbine, Avie's Flatter suffered his lone setback to date when fourth in the Summer (G1) on turf at Woodbine after being pinched back at the start.

The bay was back in the winner's circle in his next two starts, winning the Cup and Saucer by more than five lengths on turf and the Coronation Futurity by a half-length going nine furlongs on Tapeta.

"This horse we thought was special from the very beginning," trainer Josie Carroll said.

Bred in Ontario, Avie's Flatter was produced by Avie's Empire, a daughter of Empire Maker also responsible for stakes winner Avie's Mineshaft. Avie's Flatter's second dam was E.P. Taylor (G1) winner Fly for Avie.

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