Dunkirk, $3.7 million Yearling, Romps

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Dunkirk, a $3.7 million yearling purchase owned by Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, made that price look like a potential bargain when he overcame traffic problems, swung six wide and blew his opposition away in his career debut at Gulfstream Park.

The 3-year-old gray son of Unbridled's Song  , out of 2000 Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) winner Secret Status, by A.P. Indy, drew off at will from his 11 opponents to win by 5 3/4 lengths, covering the seven furlongs in 1:25 flat over a track that was playing slow for the first five races.

Trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Edgar Prado, Dunkirk, who was sold at the 2007 Keeneland September sale by Lane's End Farm as agent, had been working steadily at Palm Meadows since last November. The colt was sent off as the 8-5 favorite. Longshots Santana Six and Spanish Fortune finished second and third, respectively.

Prado kept Dunkirk in seventh behind horses through quick opening fractions of :22.35 and :45.34. Blocked by a wall of horses, Prado moved out but was unable to find any holes. He then swung him six wide, and Dunkirk quickly leveled off and stormed to the lead, drawing off with every stride. 

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