Csaba nabs third straight stakes victory

Csaba added yet another romping stakes win to his resume (Courtney Heeney/Coady Photography)

Bruce Hollander and Cary Shapoff’s Csaba captured his third stakes win in a
row in Sunday’s $100,000

Harlan’s Holiday at Gulfstream Park but more importantly was able to capture
his first win away from Calder.

“He ran a great race and sat off a decent pace,” trainer Phil Gleaves
said. “One thing I noticed is that he didn’t change leads in the stretch, so I’m
going to have to work at that. But he ran a good race.

“I was a little bit (nervous about shipping from Calder). He got a little
nervous in the receiving barn, and that’s always a concern. He was a bit nervous
in the paddock, as well, and he got a little sweaty out in the post parade. But
it didn’t seem to bother him much.”

The three-year-old colt broke sharply and saved ground near the rail as he stalked pacesetter I’m Steppin’ It Up, who posted fractions of :23 2/5 and :46 3/5. Csaba
made his move just before the three-quarter pole, where he
broke through on the inside to take over the lead and post a split of 1:11.

The Kitten’s Joy colt was in tight with a group of three others leading up to
the final turn but shook loose to gain a two-length lead
into the stretch and pulled away for a 3 3/4-length victory. The bay colt
covered 1 1/16 miles over the fast main track in 1:43 2/5. With Luis Saez in the
irons Csaba paid $11.20, $5 and $3.20 as the 9-2 third choice despite being
labeled the 5-2 morning line favorite.