Sole Volante Stakes-Bound After Florida Allowance Win

Sole Volante prepped for an intended graded stakes start in either the Belmont Stakes (G1) June 20 or the July 11 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G2) at Keeneland by winning a stakes-quality $46,000 allowance race at Gulfstream Park June 10.

The Patrick Biancone-trained 3-year-old gelding, who was making his first start since finishing second in the March 7 Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby (G2), took advantage of a hot pace by stablemate Ete Indien, the 3-5 favorite who hadn't run since finishing third in the March 28 Curlin Florida Derby (G1), and Shivaree, who was returning from a runner-up finish in the same race.

The pacesetters set fractions of :23.09 and :45.10 for the first half of the mile dirt contest while leading until the stretch. Sole Volante ($6.40) then launched a wide rally under Luca Panici and kicked in through the stretch to score by three-quarters of a length over 12-1 longshot and fellow closer Jesus' Team.

The runner-up was three-quarters of a length ahead of Shivaree in third. Ete Indien, who captured the Feb. 29 Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) by 8 1/2 lengths, faded to fourth under Florent Geroux, another 4 1/4 lengths back. It was Ete Indien's first race with blinkers. 

Sole Volante, a son of Karakontie  who won the Feb. 8 Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs and the Pulpit Stakes on turf last fall at Gulfstream, ran the mile on a fast track in 1:34.80. He has won four of six races and $293,310 for owners Reeves Thoroughbred Racing and Biancone's daughter, Andie. 

"He's a nice horse. He's improving. He's a lighter horse. I think he needed the race less than Ete Indien. With Ete Indien, I think I (made) a mistake to put the blinkers (on) because the other horse shaded him the whole way," Biancone said. "It was a training race. I just want them to come out good. I cross my fingers."

The July 18 TVG.com Haskell Stakes (G1) at Monmouth Park has been the goal for Ete Indien.

"I don't think I'm going to change my mind. In five weeks, we'll go to the Haskell with Ete Indien," Biancone said. "Concerning Sole Volante, my owner is very keen on running in the Belmont. We'll have to wait for the horse to decide. We'll see how he is the next few days. If he really (does well), we may go. If not, we'll wait for the Blue Grass. One or the other."

Panici, who was unable to ride Sole Volante in the Tampa Bay Derby due to an injury, was impressed with his mount.

"It was perfect. He's a horse that's like a human. His brain is fabulous. The first part when he had to accelerate when he saw the horse in front, he was aggressive to pass the other horse," Panici said. "What more can I say? I've known him from the beginning, and he's just a wonderful horse to ride. I have to thank all the connections to give me this huge opportunity. He's just a really great horse."

Trainer Ralph Nicks was encouraged by Shivaree's return from the Florida Derby.

"(Ete Indien and Shivaree) did all the work," Nicks said. "We'll look at the Blue Grass next."

Consigned by New Hope AB to the 2019 Ocala Breeders' Sales Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training, Sole Volante sold to Biancone for $22,000. Bred in Kentucky by Flaxman Holdings, he is one of three winners from the Kingmambo mare Light Blow, who has also produced stakes-placed Light of Joy and graded stakes winner Explode, who took the 2019 Canadian Derby (G3) at Century Mile.