Winslow Homer, a 3-year-old son of Unbridled’s Song, scored a three-quarter length victory in the $150,000 Holy Bull S. (G3) at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 23. The one-mile race kicks off the 2010 Triple Crown prep season in south Florida.

This was Winslow Homer’s first start since last November, when he romped to a 12 1/2-length victory in an allowance race at Philadelphia Park. In the Holy Bull, Winslow Homer was bumped around a bit at the break, and settled back in seventh after the first quarter mile, but he was never more than about four lengths out of the lead. Full of run down the backstretch, he began to steadily advance after that point. Jockey Ramon Dominguez had to check back off the leaders a bit going into the turn, but the big gray or roan colt relaxed nicely, biding his time until an opening appeared. He got what he was looking for entering the homestretch, and powered to the lead between horses. The 8-5 favorite Jackson Bend gave chase, but it was futile as Winslow Homer gamely held off the challenger to get the win.

Being the first stakes race for the colt, trainer Anthony Dutrow was not quite sure what to expect. “I came here today without any particular expectations,” Dutrow said. “Naturally, I have to be very pleased with the way he ran.”

The $90,000 payday increased his lifetime earnings to $152, 825 for owner Fox Hill Farms, Inc., with a record of 3-0-1 in four starts. Winslow Homer broke his maiden in smart fashion at last August at Saratoga, winning the seven furlong race by three lengths.

Fox Hill purchased Winslow Homer at the 2008 Keeneland September yearling sale for a price of $310,000.