Zito Readies for Big Weekend at Gulfstream Park

Trainer Nick Zito is preparing for a big weekend at Gulfstream Park, saddling runners in the Donn Handicap (gr. I), Davona Dale Stakes (gr. II), Old Hat Stakes (gr. III), and Holy Bull Stakes (gr. III), as well as celebrating his 57th birthday.

Zito will send out Seek Gold and Pie's Prospect in Saturday's Donn.

G.P.'s Black Knight will represent the Zito stable in the Holy Bull. It will be his first start for the New York-born conditioner since the Birdonthewire Stakes winner was purchased in December.

"We're trying to see if we can get him going forward," said Zito. "He's in great shape and we want to see what we've got. At this time of year it's all about getting (3-year-olds) to each step and getting them to move forward and on to the next spot."

Impressive allowance winner In the Gold will be part of a seven-strong field in the Davona Dale in search of her first stakes victory. She was a close third in the Alcibiades (gr. I) at Keeneland last October.

"The goal with her is the (Kentucky) Oaks," said Zito. "Oaks day is incredible with 100,000 people at the track and it's a race she really looks like we should aim for."

Alfonsina will complete Zito's starting five with her 2005 debut in the Old Hat. After winning her first two races at Saratoga and Aqueduct, the daughter of Grand Slam stumbled at the start of the Valley Stream Stakes, but managed to finish second to Megascape.