Big Thorn wins Juvenile Turf in stakes debut
Sunday, November 22, 2020
Big Thorn was a dominating presence in Sunday's Juvenile Turf S. at Gulfstream Park West, drawing off to win the seven-furlong contest by 4 1/2-lengths.

The 2-year-old son of The Big Beast was making his first added-money start after a similar maiden score on Oct. 29 over the same racetrack. 

The Juvenile Turf was moved to the main track following substantial rainfall. Big Thorn handled his first try over the off going with ease. Third early on, he moved for the lead just before entering the stretch, then easily pulled away to win in hand.

“We were fortunate that the race came off and it helped shortening up to seven-eighths. I didn’t expect him to be quite as close as he was. (Jockey) Paco (Lopez) told me he put him into the race early but after that it was all over,” trainer David Fawkes said. “He had so much horse through the whole race. He really, really likes the horse. When he got off the horse he said, ‘Damn, this is a nice horse.’” 

Big Thorn, who is owned by his breeders Alex and JoAnn Lieblong, has earned $70,556. He is the first foal out of Save a Rose, who is a full sister to stakes winner Hedge Fund and a half-sister to millionaire and multiple graded winner Standford. The bay colt hails from the same family as Johannesburg and Tale of a Cat. Save a Rose has a full brother foal to Big Thorn and is in foal to The Big Beast for 2021.

The Big Beast has been one of the most popular Florida stallions in the past two years, breeding almost 200 mares. He will stand the 2021 season for $4,000 S&N.

Stallion Roster