The first word of her name translates to “surprising,” “amazing,” or “astonishing.” All are fair praise when a 2-year-old wins in her third career start after finishing third in the first two outings.

SURPRENANT COCCA upgraded her stats to 3-1-0-2 and $52,200 earned with her maiden-breaking score at Laurel Park this afternoon. Kevin Gomez had the mount in the 8-1/2 furlong test on the grass, and he kept the filly comfortably three-wide just behind the leaders with a clear path to overtake those when asked. Into final the turn, announcer Dave Rodman called that she “looms large on the outside, up to grab the lead now.” Passing stablemate Twirl The Flag in the final furlong, she finished a strong 2 3/4 lengths the best. She looked every bit as keen in the gallop back as she had crossing the wire!

The daughter of Travers Stakes winner Catholic Boy out of Grey Stark (by Tapit) was bred in Kentucky by Bobby Austin. She is owned jointly by Madaket Stables LLC and Robert V. LaPenta, in whose silks she won today. She was purchased as a weanling from the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale in 2021 for $105,000.  Congratulations to the partners!