G1 winner Lochte returns to winner’s circle in Mr. Steele Stakes

Crossed Sabres Farm’s Lochte displayed a return to winning form with a dominating victory in the Mr. Steele Stakes at Gulfstream Park.

The talented five-year-old son of Medaglia d’Oro sat well off the pace early on in the eight-furlong turf contest. The gelding began to close on the leaders on the far turn, took command at the top of the stretch, eventually drawing off to win easily. It was the second stakes win of the year for Lochte, who captured the G3 Tampa Bay Stakes earlier this year.

Lochte burst onto the national scene in 2014, with an impressive victory in the G1 Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap. He also finished second in the G1 Frank Kilroe Mile, and was third in the G1 Maker’s 46 Mile.

Lochte is out of Lemon Kiss, a Stakes-winning daughter of Lemon Drop Kid. Lemon Kiss is a full sister to Graded Stakes winner Kiss The Kid, and hails from the immediate family of Horse of the Year, Black Tie Affair.

Medaglia d'Oro is having a tremendous year in 2015, and is now tied with Tapit by black-type winners this year, which include two-time G1 winner Songbird, G1 Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap winner Mshawish and G2 winners Gold Medal Dancer and Mrs McDougal.  The sire's top runners lifetime include Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra, G1 Kentucky Oaks winner Plum Pretty, and G1-winning turf specialist Marketing Mix.