A promising juvenile contest will take centre stage when the Royal Palm Meet resumes on Friday at Gulfstream Park, where Arindel’s highly regarded colt Strike attempts to go one better after a determined debut defeat earlier this spring.
The opening race is scheduled for 12:50 p.m., with Strike expected to attract significant attention following an encouraging first outing in Gulfstream Park’s opening juvenile race of the season on April 19.
Gulfstream Park Royal Palm Meet
The Florida-bred son of Roadster was narrowly denied by Ford Roadster over 4½ furlongs after contesting the lead throughout the maiden special weight event. Strike finished only half a length behind the winner, while Liberty Rings — third that day — has since boosted the form by landing the Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies on turf and securing a place at Royal Ascot in June.
Arindel racing manager Brian Cohen believes the colt has every chance to make amends at the second attempt.
“It was seemingly a pretty decent race. The horse that won was a big, good-looking colt, I thought, and he ran well,” Cohen said. “Hopefully he gets it done second time out.”
Strike, purchased for $57,000 at OBS’ Winter Mixed Sale, is out of the Wildcat Heir mare Hardcore Cat and comes from a family packed with quality performers, including Grade 1-winning millionaire mare Dorth Vader. Drawn in Post 5, the colt will race for trainer Carlos David after making his debut under Jorge Delgado.
Leading rider Samy Camacho keeps the mount after enjoying an excellent Royal Palm Meet, where he has already recorded 34 victories and amassed nearly $1.3 million in purse earnings.
Arindel’s juvenile squad has enjoyed a productive season so far, highlighted by victories from Boots, Valkyrie and Tolstoy at Gulfstream, Churchill Downs and Keeneland respectively.
Cohen remains optimistic but cautious about Strike’s latest assignment.
“I really do like this colt,” he said. “Hopefully we can add to that with a win and then the stakes start up in July. But you’ve got to win first. You never know with the babies.”
Among the chief challengers are trainer Jose D’Angelo’s pair Astrogem and Awesome Noah.
Astrogem, drawn widest in Post 7, has reportedly impressed in morning workouts at Palm Meadows. The colt is by Curlin’s Honor and out of Tiz Possible Dear, winner of the 2020 Millions Distaff.
“He’s a horse that is doing good,” D’Angelo said. “He’s had some good works from the gate so hopefully he runs a good race.”
Stablemate Awesome Noah, meanwhile, is expected to benefit from experience despite connections believing longer distances may suit him better later in the season.
The field is completed by fellow newcomers X G Man, It’s Smoking, Win Jet Win and Mitts, ensuring another informative juvenile contest as Gulfstream Park’s Royal Palm Meet continues.
Away from the juvenile feature, Friday’s nine-race programme also includes a competitive optional claiming allowance in Race 8 over six furlongs. Sonic Surge returns for his first appearance since a claimed victory at the same course and distance in March, while Ramajay seeks to continue his consistent form after placing in six of seven starts.
One Hundred Kings and Pardo also arrive in winning form, adding further depth to a strong Friday card at Gulfstream Park.
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