Newstead Stables LLC’s No Show Sammy Jo stamped her authority on Gulfstream Park Wednesday, cruising to a commanding 5 ¾-length victory in the $125,000 Via Borghese. After finishing second in the Long Island (G3) at Aqueduct last time out, the 5-year-old Lope de Vega filly showcased her full potential under jockey Jorge Ruiz, weaving three-wide around the final turn before powering away to the finish.
Trained by Graham Motion, No Show Sammy Jo completed the 1 3/8-mile turf course in a crisp 2:11.10, marking her sixth career win from 13 starts on the grass. Motion, who began the day in the winner’s circle with Brat Pack, a 2-year-old filly by Gun Runner, had nothing but praise for his charge.
“This is what I thought she’d be all year. She’s just, for whatever reason, finally coming into herself,” Motion said. “She was really unlucky in the Long Island. She should have won it the last two years, to be honest. She’s a good filly. Jorgie rides her well. He’s almost unbeaten on her. We’ll probably keep her here for the long race on Pegasus Day. I’m guessing she gets the mile and a half. She handles the mile and three-eighths pretty well.”
The race unfolded with Louise Procter setting an early pace, closely tracked by Chad Brown-trained Venencia through fractions of :23.88, :47.46, and 1:11.43. But approaching the final turn, Ruiz guided the filly from last place, slicing past the leaders and powering home. Gallant Greta finished second, while favorite La Mehana, winner of the Glens Falls (G2) at Saratoga over the summer, claimed third.
Friday’s Rainbow 6 Estimated Pool $125,000
Looking ahead, Gulfstream Park will resume racing on Friday with the 20-cent Rainbow 6 sequence, boasting an estimated pool of $125,000. The sequence begins with Race 5, a six-furlong claiming event on the main track for fillies and mares, with Sheshimaintenance (7-5) and Chaina (9-5) among the favorites.
Two turf contests feature in the sequence. Race 7, an allowance optional claimer for 3-year-olds and up at a mile, sees Graham Motion-trained One Stripe as the 7-5 favorite. The South African-bred was fifth in the Woodbine Mile (G1) and 13th in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1). Race 10, an allowance for fillies and mares, has La Cantera at 3-1, while Souper Amusing (3-2-1 in seven turf starts) goes off at 5-1 and Ditched (9-2) represents trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.
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