Bitsy’s Afleet tallied a convincing victory in the Pelican S. Saturday evening to give Northern Afleet a pair of stakes winners on the day. Earlier in the afternoon, War Story dominated the $100,000 Challenger S. at Tampa Bay Downs by nearly six lengths.

The Pelican was the first stakes win for 3-year-old Bitsy’s Afleet, who has won three of four starts overall and earned $110,400 for owner and breeder Earl and Rose Hernandez. 

Despite breaking from post nine, Bitsy’s Afleet found his way to the rail going into the first turn. About eight lengths from the front with three furlongs to run, Bitsy’s Afleet began his march to the lead. He steadily made up ground the rest of the way, passing Grand Luwegee in mid-stretch and pulling away late to stop the timer in 1:19.69 for the 6 1/2-furlongs (VIDEO).

With the win, Bitsy’s Afleet became Northern Afleet 76th lifetime stakes winner. The venerable stallion has sired eight millionaires, including last year’s champion turf male World Approval.