The Gulfstream Park stands are set to witness a reunion of hope and potential this Saturday as John Oxley’s homebred Strategic Risk returns to South Florida, seeking redemption in the $200,000 Affirmed Stakes. After a challenging summer campaign at Saratoga that saw the promising colt struggle to recapture his early brilliance, connections are optimistic that familiar surroundings and a sharp work tab will spark a triumphant comeback.
The seven-furlong sprint is the second leg of the $1.2 million Florida Sire Stakes Series for 2-year-olds by accredited Florida stallions, co-headlined by the $200,000 Susan’s Girl for fillies. The Affirmed Stakes, named for the 1978 Triple Crown champion, has long been a proving ground for emerging talent, bridging the opening $100,000 Dr. Fager and the season-ending $300,000 In Reality.
Strategic Risk, a front-running 8ÂĽ-length maiden winner over five furlongs at Gulfstream in June, heads into the Affirmed Stakes as one of five new faces in the 11-horse field. He seeks to rebound after an underwhelming 1 1/16-mile turf attempt in the With Anticipation (G3) at Saratoga, where he finished last of six, behind eventual Bourbon (G2) winner Final Score.
“His Saratoga stint wasn’t successful, so we gave him some downtime,” trainer Mark Casse said. “He’s been training very well back in Ocala. The one-hole draw isn’t ideal, but that’s part of the game.”
Jockey Rajiv Maragh will be the fourth rider to partner Strategic Risk, now installed as the 3-1 program favorite. The colt carries promising bloodlines, being by Grade 1-winning millionaire Noble Bird and half-brother to multiple stakes winners Strategic Bird and Just Relax.
Joining Strategic Risk are exciting newcomers like Jose D’Angelo trainees Micanopy and Khozalite. Micanopy, with Edgard Zayas up, holds the distinction of winning at the course and distance, while Khozalite, ridden by Leonel Reyes, comes off a turf victory but is expected to adapt to the dirt for the first time at seven furlongs.
Other notable contenders include Tonch’s Horses’ Camigol, who is looking for a cleaner trip after a troubled outing in the Dr. Fager, and a host of Dr. Fager finishers including Trelawny, All to Win, Squire, and I’m Tuff Enough. Completing the field are series newcomers Wootun, He’s My Uncle, and Hawk, each bringing their own dash of potential to the competitive mix.
As the Affirmed Stakes approaches, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. Trainers, jockeys, and owners alike are eager to see if Strategic Risk and the crop of Florida-bred juveniles can rise to the occasion and etch their names into Gulfstream Park history.
Read the full race report and updates on the Affirmed Stakes at RaceBuzz.
