Afleet Express not only became the 20th 2-year-old winner from his sire Afleet Alex’s first crop but more importantly made the kind of debut at the races that would make any racing enthusiast’s imagination run wild as to the future this colt could have. Despite being taken up severely at the start, the talented colt overcame the early loss of position and a muddy track to win going away in a $43,000 maiden special weight race at Aqueduct on Dec. 5th.
The final margin was 1 ½ lengths in the end, but what was most impressive was the turn of foot Afleet Express showed in the stretch, explosively passing his rivals in a performance that allows for promise heading into his 3-year-old season. That path will likely lead him to Gulfstream Park for trainer James Jerkens and owner Gainesway Stable.
Bred in Kentucky by McMillin Brothers and James Devaney, Afleet Express earned $25,800 for his big debut. He hails from the Distant View mare Expanse, who is already a stakes-winning producer. He was part of the Gainesway Sales consignment as a short yearling at the Keeneland January Sale in 2008 where he sold for $245,000.
For Afleet Alex, the Eclipse Champion adds another exciting colt from his stellar first crop. He is also the sire of Grade 1 winner Dublin already among his 20 winners.