It was a second straight stakes victory for MCKINZIE’s Tessellate on Saturday when the filly won the Gasparilla S. in her 2026 debut.
Going off as a heavy favorite in the seven-furlong dirt race, Tessellate broke from one of the middle gates and was quick out. An eager runner shot to the lead and Tessellate was happy to let that one open up multiple lengths as she settled into third a few paths off the rail.
Coming into the turn, Tessellate started to chase that leader and it only took until mid-turn until she was in command. The longtime pacesetter tried to stick with her but Tessellate shrugged that one off to easily pull away and win by 2 ¾ lengths.
💠 TESSELLATE ($3.80) was much the best! The 3YO filly closed into a rapid pace to win the $125,000 Gasparilla Stakes at @TampaBayDownsFL. @zayas_edgardo piloted the daughter on Mckinzie (@Gainesway) for trainer @SaffieJosephJr.
Play the late pick 4: https://t.co/U0uWTd6yjQ pic.twitter.com/PSRdMgoAeb
— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) January 10, 2026
Bred and co-owned by Castle Gate Farm, the Saffie Joseph Jr. trained filly is also owned by Magic Cap Stables, Paul Braverman, Timothy Pinch, Kuehne Racing, and John Reindardt. She now boasts a record of three wins and two other top three finishes in five starts.
The best runner out of winning Trappe Shot mare Shotdowninflames, Tessellate is a half-sister to one other winner from two to race. Shotdowninflames is a half-sister to Grade 3 winner Luna Time and three other winners out of multiple stakes winner High Moment.
Tessellate is continuing a long tradition with each of her first six dams have either placed in stakes or produced stakes winners with nearly every one doing both.
Shotdowninflames had a full brother to Tessellate last year.