Skippylongstocking, Frank's Rockette Roll in Grade 3s

Daniel Alonso's Skippylongstocking  rebounded from his seventh-place finish in the Pegasus World Cup (G1) with a commanding victory in the $100,000 Challenger Stakes March 11 at Tampa Bay Downs.

Jockey Irad Ortiz confidently handled the 4-year-old son of Exaggerator , positioning him just off the frontrunning Trademark  through opening splits of :23.34 and :47.02. With Ortiz remaining motionless aboard Skippylongstocking on the turn for home, the colt engaged longshot Surly Furious  down the lane and strode clear to a 3 1/4-length victory.

Bet down to 1-2 favoritism, Skippylongstocking ($3) was timed in 1:42.52 for the 1 1/16 miles on a fast main track.

Tax  got up for second over Surly Furious.

The Saffie Joseph Jr. trainee recorded his third graded stakes win on Saturday.

"This is a consistent, hard-trying horse," Joseph said. "He's probably not a true grade 1 horse, but he's a very good grade 3, grade 2 horse, and maybe one day he might get the grade I win he deserves. We threw a pretty hard campaign at him last year, and he bounced back from it and is still in good form."

Video: $100,000 Michelob Ultra Challenger S. (G3)

Frank's Rockette Takes Second Straight in Hurricane Bertie Romp

Bill Mott trainee Frank's Rockette  soared home at Gulfstream Park in the $125,000 Hurricane Bertie Stakes (G3) for owner Frank Fletcher Racing Operations.

Under the patient hands of jockey Junior Alvarado, the 6-year-old daughter of Into Mischief   ran comfortably in third while stalking the pace behind Fire on Time  and R Adios Jersey  through fractions of :22.46 and :45.42. At the top of the stretch, the mare made her move easily passing the leaders to take the 6 1/2-furlong dirt event in 1:16.81.

Frank's Rockette was heavily favored after blowout victory Dec. 31 at Gulfstream in the Sugar Swirl Stakes (G3). She paid $2.80 for a $2 win ticket.

Drifaros  was elevated to second after stewards demoted R Adios Jersey to third for backstretch interference.She drifted inward from her outside post position in the race's early stages.

-This roundup will be updated with select grade 3 racing action from across the country.