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Michael Dubb, Steven Bouchey, Bethlehem Stables and Chester Bishops Chesss Dream got a ground-saving trip under Tyler Gaffalione and slipped through an opening along the rail in mid-stretch to upset Saturdays $100,000 Kittens Joy (G3) at Gulfstream Park.

The ninth running of the Kittens Joy for 3-year-olds going a mile on the grass was the first of five graded-stakes worth $600,000 in purses on a 12-race program highlighted by the $200,000 Holy Bull (G3), Gulfstreams next step for 3-year-olds on the road to the March 27 Florida Derby(G1).

Fresh off his maiden triumph in a 7 -furlong turf sprint Dec. 13 at Gulfstream, Chesss Dream ($18.60) completed the distance in 1:35.18 over a firm course to become the first stakes winner for sire Jesss Dream, a son of Hall of Famers Curlin and Rachel Alexandra.

Based at Gulfstream with trainer by Mike Maker, Chesss Dream is also a half-brother to 2019 Kittens Joy winner Casa Creed. He was cross-entered in Sundays Texas Turf Mile at Sam Houston.

Its very nice when you make the right decision. Its definitely a 50-50 proposition, Dubb said. I held my breath and made sure hed be able to get through. He got through and he was much the best, so were just over the moon.

Flanked by 1-5 favorite Never Surprised, making his sophomore debut after going unbeaten at 2 capped by a victory in Aqueducts Central Park, Chesss Dream settled in third as Original, a 12-1 long shot shipping in from New York, ran a quarter-mile in 23.30 seconds and a half in 47.54 pressed by Kentucky Pharoah, a winner of his last two starts over the same course and distance, including the Dania Beach Jan. 2.

Gaffalione stayed patient as he remained in striking position on the turn awaiting room, which materialized once the field straightened for home. Gaffalione sent Chesss Dream through and the Florida-bred colt sprinted clear to win by two lengths as Never Surprised emerged from a three-way photo finish with Original and Sigiloso for second. Kentucky Pharoah and Its a Gamble completed the order of finish.

I knew there was going to be a lot of speed. It kind of surprised me when Johnny [Velazquez on Original] committed early, but I had the perfect position down on the fence. I was able to save ground, Gaffalione said. On the far turn, in looked like Johnnys horse was trying to get out a little bit on him. I didnt panic and a hole opened up and when I asked him he really accelerated. Hes a long-striding colt. Hell just get better the longer he goes.

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Chess's Dream slips through on rail and prevails in Kitten's Joy photo - Horse Racing Nation