Bassanio returned to action at the top of his game, and game he was on Saturday at Tampa Bay Downs, fighting through the stretch to edge an outside rival to win by a head with Daniel Centeno up.

The British import was making his first start of the year, having received a vacation at the end of 2023 when his form had tailed off.

Trainer Arnaud Delacour had him ready to fire, as Bassanio was keen off the layoff, racing just behind the pacesetters, took control heading into the lane and then fought through a challenge and some contact with runner-up Swing Low. The stewards considered an objection from Swing Low’s jockey but took no action.

West Point acquired Bassanio as a yearling at the Tattersalls October sale in 2020. He has been a consistent performer, with two wins, two seconds and two thirds in 10 career starts. Story on Bassanio’s maiden win