Carpe Diem colt wins thriller on Gulfstream Park turf

Life On Top, making just his second lifetime start, scored a dramatic maiden special weight win over Gulfstream Park’s turf course on Saturday, winning a three-way photo by a neck in the one-mile race for 3-year-olds.

Off since sprinting in his main track debut in October, Life On Top had been training on the grass for his 2020 debut. He was in the outside post in the field of 10 and was forced to stay in the three-path the entire trip while sitting several lengths off the pace. He still had about four lengths to make up with a furlong to run, but out-sprinted Briefcase Bully to the wire to win by a neck in 1:34.56 on the firm course.

Life On Top was bred by Gabriel Duignan, Crosshaven, Hazelmere and Petaluma. He sold to his owners Centennial Farms for $250,000 at the 2018 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Life On Top’s dam Kissed by a Star is a half-sister to Grade 1 winner and prominent sire Hard Spun. She is currently in foal to Carpe Diem.

Carpe Diem, a top-10 Freshman Sire of 2019, has had four stakes horses in the past month, including Grade 2 winner Van Daelen. The multiple Grade 1 winner is standing this year at WinStar Farm for $15,000, stands and nurses.