RATED BY MERIT RETURNS IN THE SECOND LEG OF THE FTOA SERIES !


See my profile of this 2yo colt on this thread down below about 10 or so postings.

Rated by Merit is entered to run this Saturday October 19, 2024, against five other 2yos bred in Florida.

The race is called the Florida Sire Affirmed Stakes at Gulfstream Park, 7 furlongs, state-sired 2-year-old colts and geldings.

It is the second leg of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders ' and Owners' Association Florida Sire Stakes for two-year-olds.

The first leg was the Dr. Fager Stakes in which Rated by Merit won by 6 1/4-length on September 7, 2024.

The third and last leg is the In Reality Stakes and it will take place on November 30, 2024 (also at Gulfstream Park).

As for the second leg this Saturday October 19, 2024, Rated by Merit will be 1/9 as a very heavy favorite and he'll win in a workout-like manner.

Rated by Merit has won his first two career starts by a combined 16 lengths, including the six-furlong Dr. Fager, opening leg of the Florida Sire Series, by 6 1/4 lengths on September 7, 2024.

The 92 and 93 Beyer Speed Figures he earned for those victories are the third- and fifth-highest recorded by any 2-year-old in the U.S. in 2024.

Rated by Merit is a son of a 'not-well-known' Florida stallion named Battalion Runner who is a St. Elias Stable homebred.

The farm is owned by billionaire Vinnie Viola, who was a partner in Vino Rosso and Always Dreaming and whose empire includes the Stanley Cup hockey champion Florida Panthers.

Rated by Merit’s 9 3/4-length maiden victory in July was followed by a 6 1/4-length runaway last month in the Dr. Fager Stakes, which, like this race, is part of the Florida Thoroughbred Owners Association series for horses sired by stallions from in state.