Gulfstream Park news and notes for Super Bowl Sunday
January 31, 2009 by Jarrod Horak
Filed under Breeding, Handicapping, Horses, Jockeys, Kentucky Derby, Miscellaneous, Racetracks, Stakes Races, Trainers, Triple Crown
Before I take a look at Super Bowl Sunday’s graded races, let’s review the big events run this week at the Gulf.
Thursday (1-29-09):
Old Hat (G3) runner-up Elusive Heat (Elusive Quality-Xtra Heat) won a 6f allowance race as Alan Garcia pleased and stopped the clock in a rapid 1:08.94. The Kiaran McLaughlin trainee is definitely headed back to the stakes ranks, and I would not want to tussle with the fleet miss around one turn.
Friday (1-30-09):
Old Hat (G3) show finisher Frolic’s Dream (Smoke Glacken) rebounded to nab the seven panel Forward Gal (G2) by 2.5 easy lengths. Renda was ten clear of the show. Old Hat winner Gemswick Park ended up a disappointing 5th.
Capt. Candyman Can (Candy Ride) got off to a great start on the road to the Kentucky Derby with a handy victory in the seven furlong Hutcheson (G2). Hello Broadway, a half brother to Grade 1 winner Nobiz Like Showbiz was clearly 2nd best, and the top two may renew their budding rivalry in the Feb 28th Fountain of Youth (G2). Enigmatic graded winner Break Water Edison finished last.
Saturday (1-31-09):
Saratoga Sinner (Harlan’s Holiday) and Bear’s Rocket made all the running in the 9f Holy Bull (G3). West Side Bernie (3rd) and Beethoven (4th) were highly regarded runners returning from layoffs and breaking from bad outside posts. Both ran okay and can move up next time, but I was not impressed with this early Derby prep. I thought the Hutcheson was the better local 3yo race run this week. Danger To Society (7th) went to post as the fav and never looked comfortable.
Albertus Maximus wins the 2008 BC Dirt Mile!
Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile hero Albertus Maximus is Dubai World Cup bound after a game victory over stubborn pacesetter Finallymadeit in the Grade 1 Donn Handicap. Einstein finished an even 3rd and was followed by 2-1 fav Arson Squad.
Barbaro’s little bro Nicanor had a troubled start and made a middle move before weakening to 10th in his career bow. Don’t know how good he’ll be, but his trainer (Michael Matz) had poor stats with first timers, and he should move up next time. He reportedly grabbed a quarter after stumbling at the start. He may end up on the turf at some point.
Sunday (2-1-09):
The 9th and feature race is the Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap (G1) at nine furlongs on the turf, and Red Rocks is the 3-1 fav. I have always liked the former BC Turf (G1) winner, but this sports the look of a prep for longer events down the road.
The expected tepid pace may allow flat mile specialist Kip Deville to hang around longer than expected. He dons the hood and might get brave if able to sneak away early.
Court Vision continues to improve on the turf for Bill Mott, and I am expecting the 4yo to make a big late run under profitable 23% turf rider Ramon Dominguez.
Speaking of Mott, he has Mushka (Empire Maker) training well for the Grade 3 Suwannee River (race 7), and she should offer value at 8-1 on the line.
Photo Credit: newscom.com
