French import Kertez roared home and got up just in time to win the Grade 2 Pan American Stakes in his U.S. debut at Gulfstream Park.

The 6-year-old gelding took advantage of masterful handling: from Christophe Clement identifying and acquiring the horse in France last fall and preparing him to fire right off the bat in South Florida, and also from Joel Rosario with a vintage ride.

Kertez was a consistent Group stakes performer in France and Christophe took a liking to him, leading to the acquisition at the Arqana Arc sale in October.

The British-bred bay has a unique pedigree, being by French Derby winner Intello out of the British mare Distortion, a daughter of the stalwart American stallion Distorted Humor.