Palace Malice to Gulfstream Park Handicap

Belmont Stakes winner Palace Malice will launch his 2014 campaign in the

Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Handicap on March 8, according to Dogwood president Cot

Campbell.

"This mile race is a logical debut for the colt, who wintered in Aiken (South

Carolina) and seemed to thrive on it," Campbell said. "We shipped him to Todd

Pletcher on January 7 and he has been pleased with his progress. He has several

five-eighths under his belt and Todd says he is as enthusiastic as ever.

"We are looking at the New Orleans Handicap at the Fair Grounds on March 29,

so this race is an ideal prep. We considered going to New Orleans for the

Mineshaft Stakes on February 22, but that would have necessitated two trips.

More time and staying home makes more sense."

Runner-up in the prestigious Jockey Club Gold Cup two starts back, Palace

Malice exits a sixth in the Breeders' Cup Classic.