C2 Racing Stables, Paul Braverman and Timothy Pinch’s Practically Dark produced a strong late performance to claim Sunday’s Father’s Day feature at Gulfstream Park, running down the favored Latch the Hatch before pulling away for a convincing victory.
Gulfstream Park results
The five-year-old gelding showed patience and determination under jockey Samy Camacho, finding his stride in the closing stages to secure a 1 ½-length success in the six-furlong optional claiming allowance contest. The victory marked another notable moment for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. during the Royal Palm Meet.Practically Dark wins Father’s Day feature at Gulfstream Park.
Breaking from the outside post, Camacho settled Practically Dark in fourth position as Neshume set the early pace, covering the opening quarter-mile in 22.03 seconds. Fourth and Central raced nearby while Latch the Hatch travelled prominently in the early stages.
The complexion of the race began to change approaching the far turn. Camacho guided Practically Dark into a wider position, allowing the gelding to build momentum after the half-mile was completed in 44.41 seconds.
Practically Dark responded strongly once entering the stretch, moving alongside Latch the Hatch before gradually creating separation from the field. Racing without blinkers for the first time in six starts, the son of Practical Joke showed a renewed level of focus to finish the job.
Practically Dark secured his third career victory and recorded his first win since a pair of back-to-back course and distance successes nearly two years ago. The six-furlong trip was completed in 1:09.92 over Gulfstream Park’s fast main track.
“Practically Dark win at Gulfstream Park” was the key result from Sunday’s Father’s Day feature as the gelding returned to the winner’s circle with a determined performance.
Camacho praised the opportunity presented by the outside draw and the confidence placed in the horse by the connections.
“I had the best post on the outside because he is a big horse with a long stride,” Camacho said. “When I saw the entries and I have Saffie, I said, ‘I got it.’ This is a great opportunity for me with him to win races and I don’t want to waste it.”
The result added another chapter to Practically Dark’s career and highlighted the gelding’s ability to return to top form when given the right conditions.
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