Being the only runner in the field to break the 1:35 mark when he crossed the line in a final time 1:34.48, he was able to add win number 20 Grade III event for his trainer Estero Farms.
- Dania Beach Stakes ( Gr.III ) – Purse $100.000
- Gulfstream Park- For Three Year olds
- One Mile in distance- Inner Turf
Gordon Drive in my opinion could not have had a better trip then he did in this race. Jockey Tunon ,who has been turning many trainers heads as being a rider they would like on board their mounts, would control Gordon Drive with restraint through the opening turns staying at the back of the pack. While making steady progress down the backstretch staying some five lengths off the front runner Stressed Out ( Rampage Stables ),who was hoping an upfront style would bring him home for the win. Entering the far turn, Tunon would set down on Gordon Drive and the sophomore responded as if saying, ” Here We Go“. Sweeping to the outside of the inside runners, and by the time the field had reached the eighth pole, Gordon Drive was now three quarters of a length ahead of a charging B C P ( Aer Stables ) who had passed a now tiring Stressed Out. Continuously pushing and pushing, Gordon Drive would find the wire some three lengths up on B C P.
So was the victory a factor of the off track conditions? Yes this three year old has a record of 4( 2-0-1 ) over wet tracks, but he definitely has shown that turf is the footing of choice. His last two races have been over off tracks, earning 94 SRF figures in both events. If the next event goes over a firm turf, that should answer the question of his ability. For me, I wouldn’t second guess this one’s talents. As for his trainer, It was a profitable day as he would capture three Grade III titles on the day, walking away with the Withers and the Forward Gal Stakes. It was a profitable start to the month.
Hoping that his late charge was placed at the right moment, post time favorite B C P made his move at the correct time in the race, he would only be outclassed by a better late kick to his outside. Will be interesting to see if his trainer makes the switch to the main track for his next race in hopes of prepping for a TC try.
Finishing up for the show purse was Robeth’s Heavily Redacted. In just his fourth career start, the gray stayed close throughout this race just two and three lengths off, and did manage to make ground down the lane to the closing runners. All top three finisher have TC designation, so their trainers all feel they have the ability. Final share of the purse money would go to Stressed Out, who just managed to hang on from a closing Lucky Charm ( Arindel ) in a photo.
| Race #3 12:40 The Dania Beach – Grade III 1 Mile Inner Turf Stake Purse $100.00 Open 3 Year Olds. |
| ## | Horse Name | Owner Name | Jockey | Odds | Fin | Time | SRF | ||
| 10 | Gordon Drive | Estero Farms | Tunon M | 3.70 | 13 | 1:34.48 | 94 | ||
| 5 | B C P | Aer Stables | Saez G | 1.85 | 21/2 | 1:35.21 | 90 | ||
| 2 | Heavily Redacted | Robeth | Velazquez J R | 3.70 | 31/2 | 1:35.33 | 89 | ||
| 7 | Stressed Out | Rampage Stable | Ortiz J L | 5.15 | 4hd | 1:35.46 | 88 | ||
| 1 | Lucky Storm | Arindel | Gaffalione T | 4.40 | 51 | 1:35.49 | 88 | ||
| 8 | Cheviots | The Sidley Stud | Bejarano R | 26.15 | 6nk | 1:35.79 | 86 | ||
| 3 | Chai Danger | New Larkhill Stables | Desormeaux K J | 52.95 | 71/4 | 1:35.85 | 86 | ||
| 9 | Inflation | Jokerjoes | Castellano J J | 401.50 | 8 | 1:35.93 | 85 |
Track: Good
Time: :233 :47 1:104 1:342
$2 Mutuel Prices:
| 10 – Gordon Drive | 9.40 | 6.20 | 3.10 |
| 5 – B C P | 4.50 | 2.80 | |
| 2 – Heavily Redacted | 2.60 |
$1 Exacta: 10 – 5 Paid 18.20
$1 Trifecta: 10 – 5 – 2 Paid 43.20
Scratched: Bold Express, Eggs And Bacon
Duffer
Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES
