A busy Saturday card at Gulfstream Park brings together some of the state’s most accomplished runners, with multiple six-figure races offering a platform for proven performers and returning stars alike.
For Cliff and Michele Love, placing a horse of Damon’s Mound’s calibre has rarely been straightforward. An eight-time stakes winner and millionaire, the six-year-old has often faced open company at the highest level, but Saturday’s $100,000 FHBPA Sprint over 6½ furlongs presents a more tailored opportunity against fellow Florida-breds.
Trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, Damon’s Mound enters the race in steady form, having already shown his affinity for Gulfstream this season. He opened his campaign with victory in the Sunshine Sprint in January, a performance made more notable as it came after a 13-month absence. Since then, he has remained competitive in deeper company, finishing second in the Gulfstream Park Sprint before returning to winning ways at Tampa Bay Downs in late March.
“He’s a nice horse. He’s very special, and we really like him,” Cliff Love said, reflecting on a runner whose consistency has defined his career. “I’m amazed at the talent he’s got.”
Drawn widest in Post 8 and reunited with Junior Alvarado, Damon’s Mound is expected to be prominent late, particularly if the early pace proves testing. The extended sprint distance is familiar territory, though he has not tackled 6½ furlongs since finishing fourth in last year’s Parx Sprint. His earlier success at the trip, including a Grade 2 win at Saratoga, underlines his versatility.
Chief among his rivals is Flood Zone, who was third behind him at Tampa and now seeks to close that gap. The four-year-old has steadily developed into a reliable performer, already boasting a graded success and showing adaptability across sprint distances.
Classic of Course adds further depth to the field. Drawn on the inside, he brings a strong record at Gulfstream, with seven top-three finishes from nine starts over the main track. His tactical flexibility could prove valuable in a race where positioning will be key.
The remainder of the field—Carambaso, Hurricane Nelson, Nothingsubtle, Joey Muscles and Neshume—complete a competitive line-up that blends established form with outsider potential.
Earlier on the card, attention turns to the $100,000 FHBPA Filly & Mare Sprint, where Nic’s Style attempts to convert a series of near-misses into victory. The six-year-old has finished runner-up in her last four starts, each effort marked by determination but lacking the final edge.
Her career has been punctuated by interruptions, yet she has repeatedly returned to form. Trainer Stephen Rousseau remains optimistic despite the setbacks.
“She’s been a roller coaster ride,” he admitted. “But she’s a joy. For me it’s been a pleasure.”
Nic’s Style faces a familiar and formidable opponent in Mystic Lake, a multiple graded winner with a record that speaks for itself. Carrying top weight, she brings both class and experience, though her recent outing at Keeneland suggests she may still be finding her best rhythm this season.
Also lining up are Girvin Star, Poiema, Just a Philly, and stablemates Happy Ride and Love Actually, each adding further intrigue to a race that could hinge on race fitness and timing rather than outright ability.
With six stakes races restricted to Florida-breds on the programme, Saturday’s meeting offers a focused showcase of regional talent. For horses like Damon’s Mound and Nic’s Style, it is not just another race day, but an opportunity to reaffirm their standing among the best in their division.
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