Undefeated Mitole colt blitzes foes again in Oaklawn allowance

Carbone outclassed his competition for the second straight time in a one-mile allowance race Dec. 31 at Oaklawn Park, rolling to a four-length victory in the first two-turn start for the 2-year-old son of Mitole.

New Year’s Eve was a superb day and fitting finish of 2023 for Mitole, who topped the First-Crop sire list with $2,626,827 in progeny earnings and 35 individual winners. In addition to Carbone’s win, Mitole’s Ice Cold won the $200,000 Year’s End S. on the Oaklawn card, Ozone won a maiden race at Gulfstream Park, and Freeburn finished second in the Louisiana Futurity at Fair Grounds.

Carbone, who was named a TDN Rising Star following his Nov. 19 debut win at Churchill Downs, was in similar form Sunday at Oaklawn. He seized the lead almost immediately from the start and guided the field through a half-mile in :47.76. He rated nicely around the final turn, then drew off when asked to win going away in 1:38.63.

The winner was bred and is owned by Bill and Corinne Heiligbrodt. The bay colt is the first foal out of Treasure in Heaven, whose dam Richbabe was a graded stakes winner.