It was a big maiden victory for More Than Looks (3c out of Ladies’ Privilege) in his second start with a Maiden Special Weight victory at Gulfstream Park.

Stepping up from five furlongs to just over a mile on the synthetic surface, More Than Looks had to steady when squeezed early and took up a spot in last place for much of the run. Joel Rosario started to ask the inexperienced colt for more around the turn and he quickly switched into gear.

He had plenty of work to do but was up to the task and reached the front just in time to win by a neck.

Racing for Victory Racing Partners and trained by Cherie DeVaux, who also trains Hinkle-bred stakes winner Tarabi, More Than Looks was bought by his racing owner for $135,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.

His dam has a juvenile Uncle Mo colt named Calhoun, and an American Pharoah yearling filly.