Paul Pompa Jr.s D’ Funnybone opened up his 3-year-old season in style, cruising to a professional one-length win as the even-money favorite in the $150,000 Hutcheson Stakes (gr. II)Feb. 20 at Gulfstream Park.
A two-time grade II winner in New York as a 2-year-old, D Funnybone disappointed in his season finale last year when finishing last in the Grey Goose Breeders Cup Juvenile (gr. I) on Nov. 7. But that race was over Santa Anitas Pro-Ride surface, giving the D’wildcat colt an excuse and his connections hoped that he would return to form on dirt.

Breaking from post 7 under Edgar Prado, D Funnybone rated well in the early going, racing in third while Wildcat Frankie set the pace and Hear Ye Hear Ye tracked in second. The opening splits were :22.37 and :45.10.