World Approval handily takes $100,000 Tampa Turf Classic

Making his first start of 2017, Live Oak Plantation’s Grade 1 winner World Approval outclassed his competition with a 2 1/4-length tally in Sunday’s $100,000 Turf Classic at Tampa Bay Downs.

World Approval got the perfect set-up in the nine-furlong Turf Classic, closely tracking Go Around through moderate fractions before drawing off in hand under Julien Leparoux in 1:48.02 on the firm turf.

The Northern Afleet homebred is now 7-2-4 in 19 starts, with a trio of graded stakes wins, topped by the 2016 United Nations S. (G1). The Mark Casse-trainee has now earned $953.763.

Northern Approval’s dam Win Approval has produced the likes of 2006 Turf Male Champion Miesque’s Approval, as well as multiple graded stakes winners Za Approval and Revved Up, all three million-dollar earners.

World Approval’s next start is likely to be the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (G1) May 6 at Churchill Downs, a race he lost by a neck in 2016.

World Approval is Northern Afleet’s 30th overall winner this year, a group that includes Grade 1 winners Denman’s Call and Leeman.

World Approval handily takes $100,000 Tampa Turf Classic