February 8 - On Saturday, horseracing fans at Gulfstream Park in Florida were treated to some exciting racing action, including the day's highly-anticipated feature race, the $500,000 Donn Handicap (Gr 1) for four-year-olds and up, which was won in record-setting style by Quality Road.

For his trainer, Todd Pletcher, the four-year-old colt's victory was sweet because not only did he romp home first an impressive 12 3/4 lengths clear of second place runner, Dry Martini, but he also completed the 1 1/8 mile race in a time of 1:47.49s, his personal best over this course and distance.

'The race unfolded just the way we thought it would,' said Pletcher. It was a very welcome result for the trainer, especially following his disappointment when his charge Take the Points won the previous race, the $300,000 Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap (Gr 1), but was disqualified for interfering.

But it was the Donn Handicap the Gulfstream Park racegoers came to see and they were not disappointed as the race got underway. Ridden by top-rated jockey John Velazquez, Quality Road sprang out of the gates first, but quickly settled into a comfortable pace behind race leader Past the Point.

Over the first quarter and a half, Past the Point set quick splits of 23.21 and 46.02s, but he was never out of Quality Road's sights. Halfway through the middle of the final turn, Velazquez asked the colt for more who replied with a burst of speed that saw him take and extend the lead until the line.

Continued Pletcher, 'There's not too much you can say about a performance like that. It was pretty awesome, especially considering he was spotting six to nine pounds to the other horses. The Donn Handicap unfolded just like we anticipated. He showed up today and ran one of his best races.'

Following his superb performance in the Donn, Pletcher said he will likely freshen up the colt for the Met Mile (Gr 1) at Belmont Park in New York this spring.