Crystal Quest Secures Turf Classic Triumph

Live Oak Plantation’s Florida-bred Crystal Quest defeated stablemate and fellow Live Oak colorbearer Forever Souper to take down top prize in the Turf Classic Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs on Florida Cup Day. With the win, Crystal Quest gave Live Oak its 12^th Florida Cup Day winner.

Ridden by Samuel Marin for trainer Michael Trombetta, Crystal Quest was allowed to settle in seventh along the inside early in the 1 1/8-mile turf affair. Marin tipped his mount out leaving the quarter pole and engaged Forever Souper—the defending champ in the race—at the sixteenth pole. Crystal Quest edged clear late to win by three-quarters of a length at the finish. Crystal Quest covered the distance in a fast final time of 1:46.50.

It was the second stakes victory for Crystal Quest, who won the 2024 Florida Cup Sophomore Turf Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. Crystal Quest is a Live Oak-bred son of Uncle Mo out of Giant Crystal, by Giant’s Causeway.

“That was a pretty wild outcome,” said Trombetta, who trains both runners for Live Oak. “I’m obviously fond of both horses, and I’m tickled to death with this.”