He was making his first start since January 8 at Tampa Bay Downs, and DATAMAN appeared to  appreciate the freshening. Originally scheduled as a mile and 70 yards on the turf, Dataman stayed in when strong storms with heavy rain over the past few days shifted the allowance to the same distance on Delaware Park’s main track.

With Jorge Ruiz up, Dataman settled comfortably behind early leader Kerness, made his move into the turn and then drew off easily to win by a widening 11 1/4 lengths. This was the second career win for the leggy son of Tapit; he broke his maiden in his second start at Colonial Downs last August.

We’ve said this before – it’s great fun to watch Jorge celebrate his wins, always with a huge smile and effusive praise for his mounts. Such positive energy never fails to remind us that it’s always about the horse. Well done, Jorge.

Congratulations to Wertheimer and Frere who bred and own this 3-year-old gelding out of the Maria’s Mon’s mare Soldata. Dataman’s 4-year-old half-brother by Into Mischief – Serifos – is also here with us at Herringswell.