OCALA, FL (352today.com) – In a dramatic turn of events at Tampa Bay Downs, Florida-bred Naughty Rascal claimed his third stakes victory in the $150,000 Pasco Stakes on Jan. 11, following the disqualification of race favorite Owen Almighty. The 3-year-old colt’s elevation from second to first in the 27th running of the 7-furlong race further cemented his reputation for consistency, having never finished out of the money in six career starts.
Naughty Rascal’s win underscores the strength of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association and highlights the high caliber of Florida-bred runners in open company. The Pasco Stakes purse included $50,000 from the Florida Stallion Stakes Fund and $25,000 from the FTBOA Fund, further boosting the race’s significance.
A Proven Contender Under Bennett’s Guidance
Trained by Tampa Bay Downs’ nine-time leading trainer Gerald Bennett, Naughty Rascal races under the silks of Mr. Pug, LLC and J.P.G. 2, LLC. His adaptability was on display with a prior turf victory in the Armed Forces Stakes at Gulfstream Park.
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Reflecting on Naughty Rascal’s performance, Bennett noted, “I think today, off of the first race (the Inaugural Stakes in December) here, I wasn’t extending him out as far as I could’ve on his works, and he got a little tired at the end. I didn’t have him really peaked for this race. The main objective is, hopefully, the Tampa Bay Derby, going around two turns.”
Bennett added, “The fact that he ran such a tremendous race (Armed Forces Stakes) on the grass, that shows he has another dimension, and the horse has a great composition. Nothing bothers him.”
From Auction Ring to Stakes Winner
Naughty Rascal’s journey began at the OBS 2023 Winter Mixed Sale, where he was consigned by Boutte Sales and purchased by Silvestre Avila for $22,000. He later sold at the 2024 OBS March 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale for $39,000 to JPG2 LLC. “He was a lovely and athletic colt, and was well-received by everyone who saw him,” said Lynn Boutte of Boutte Sales. “It seems as if he is impressing everyone as he goes forward.”
Rogueish: A Sire on the Rise
Naughty Rascal is by Rogueish, a homebred stallion standing at Ed Seltzer’s Solera Farm in Williston. Rogueish, a full brother to multiple stakes winner Lucrezia, is making waves as a freshman sire. “Rogueish is true to his quality pedigree, and it seems like it is coming through…a 5th generation homebred for us,” remarked Dr. Krista Seltzer. “We know the talent in the family/pedigree and the whole reason we wanted to stand him despite only one start which was a brilliant race in itself.”
With a record of six starts, four wins, one second, and one third, and $220,630 in earnings, Naughty Rascal’s pedigree and performance indicate a promising future.
Looking Ahead
Bennett’s focus now shifts to preparing Naughty Rascal for longer distances, potentially targeting the Tampa Bay Derby. “I noticed his lines. He’s getting a little bit heavy on me. I have to put a little more in terms of hard work under him for the next race,” Bennett said, signaling plans to enhance the colt’s endurance for upcoming challenges.