Patience can be an uncomfortable companion in racing, but on Saturday it was richly rewarded in the Gulfstream Park Sprint. Jack’s Promise, long regarded by his connections as a horse of untapped ability, finally delivered on that belief with a decisive front-running victory in the Gulfstream Park Sprint at Gulfstream Park.
Bred and owned by Bob Baron, the 4-year-old began his new season by securing his first stakes success, turning back the late surge of Damon’s Mound to score by three lengths over six furlongs on a fast main track. The performance felt less like an upset and more like a colt coming of age.
Guided confidently by Rajiv Maragh for trainer Dale Romans, Jack’s Promise stopped the clock in 1:10.47. It marked his second straight win, his third in four starts at Gulfstream, and the sixth of his career. More tellingly, he has now finished first or second in seven of his last ten outings, the only blemishes coming on afternoons when little went right.
We always knew he had a lot of talent, but he’d just throw those clunkers in there and we never understood why, Romans reflected afterward. “He won five races last year and he just started putting it all together. He’s the horse we thought he was earlier.
The early fractions were sharp. Rolando, partnered by Hall of Fame rider John Velazquez, showed intent from the gate and carved out an opening quarter in 22.15 seconds. But Maragh was never far away. By the half-mile in 45.29, Jack’s Promise had seized control, with long shot Great Navigator improving along the rail.
Turning for home, Maragh kept his mount focused, five furlongs flashing up in 57.57 seconds. Damon’s Mound, a six-year-old with proven class, was forced to rally from off the pace after breaking a step slowly. His run down the centre of the track had purpose but not enough punch to reel in the leader. At the line, Jack’s Promise held a clear three-length advantage. Rolando finished third, followed by Con Compania, Beeline, Great Navigator, Ajaayb and Wound Up.
The victory carried a pleasing symmetry for the Romans barn. Jack’s Promise is out of the Malibu Moon mare Malibu Treasure and is by Promises Fulfilled, the stable star who captured the 2018 Fountain of Youth (G2) at this same venue and went on to Grade 1 glory. The pedigree has always hinted at quality; now the performances are beginning to match. “He’s a homebred for Bob and our own sire, so it’s all good stuff,” Romans said. “It was a big effort last time. He’s put in two big ones back-to-back. The sky’s the limit with him. He’s got a lot of potential.”
If the afternoon already felt meaningful, it carried an added layer of warmth. Romans celebrated in the winner’s circle with his family, cradling his four-month-old grandson, Henry Marshall Romans, for photographs. “It’s his first winner’s circle,” he said with a smile. “It’s pretty cool.”
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