Catalytic

Catalytic, a Catalina Cruiser colt bred in Kentucky, made his career debut on Oct. 7, 2023, and won first out in impressive fashion, taking a 6 ½-furlong maiden race on Gulfstream Park’s dirt track by 5 ½ lengths. That was his only start at age 2, and he returned for his 2024 debut as the favorite in a six-furlong allowance optional claiming race at Tampa Bay Downs. Catalytic tracked in last of seven early on in the sprint and closed eagerly to finish second by three-quarters of a length.

Following that effort, trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. ambitiously elevated his charge to Grade 1 level for his first two-turn attempt, entering Catalytic in the Curlin Florida Derby Presented by Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms at Xalapa on March 30. The colt hit the gate at the start but recovered under Julien Leparoux and tracked behind pacesetting favorite Fierceness for most of the race. He was no match for that foe but kept on well in to finish a clear second in the 1 1/8-mile Florida Derby, and banked 50 qualifying points for the 2024 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve.

Catalytic is out of the Distorted Humor mare One Show Only and is from the family of 2006 Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, and Travers Stakes runner-up and Haskell Invitational Stakes winner Bluegrass Cat.