Flutterby flies to victory at Gulfstream Park

Flutterby broke alertly from the starting gate and zipped to a 9 1/4-length triumph in Saturday’s $60,000 Sea Lily H. at Gulfstream Park, the second career stakes win for the 4-year-old Congrats filly.

Flutterby, who was already twice-stakes placed this year, is one of eight stakes horses sire by Congrats in 2015. 

After being challenged for the first half-mile, Flutterby left his competition far behind as she won in hand, getting the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:16.04.

“It’s most satisfying, believe me,” said breeder/owner/trainer Jerry Bozzo, who is believed to be the oldest conditioner to win a stakes. “People always tell me, ‘Why don’t you quit?’ and I say, ‘What for? I’m having too much fun.

“I told the jock, ‘Break the horse well and get a neck or half-length in front and wait until the top of the stretch and then ask her,” Bozzo continued. “She really responded beautifully. She tries every time. She’s as honest as the day is long. She was ready today.”

Flutterby, who captured her fourth career victory while pushing her career earnings to nearly $200,000 with her $36,828 winnings, is 4-4-2 in 20 starts. She is out of the First and Only mare Zoobie and is a half-sister to multiple stakes winner Zoobstick.