Gulfstream Park will host a competitive 10-race programme on Saturday, with One Hundred Kings set to headline the $100,000 Carry Back alongside a strong group of three-year-olds. The Vicente Stella Stables LLC and Gabriel Alvarez-owned colt will attempt to bounce back to winning form in the seven-furlong feature.
One Hundred Kings will look to reign supreme in the Carry Back Stakes as he returns to the distance his trainer Victor Barboza Jr. believes suits him best.
One Hundred Kings is the focus keyword for this article.
The son of Mendelssohn impressed on debut when he secured a two-length victory over six furlongs on April 19. However, his return on May 27 ended with a second-place finish after struggling to maintain his advantage late in the contest.
Barboza believes the longer seven-furlong trip could bring out the best from his charge.
“The horse ran very good the first two races, but I think the six furlongs is not good for the horse. I think seven furlongs is better for the horse,” Barboza said.
The outside draw has also pleased the trainer, with One Hundred Kings leaving the inside positions behind after starting from posts two and one in his opening appearances. The new position could allow jockey Samy Camacho to manage the pace more effectively.
One Hundred Kings faced early trouble in his debut after making contact with another runner but recovered quickly, moved forward and powered clear in the final stages. In his following start, he took the lead early but was unable to hold off Ramajay in the stretch.
Ramajay, who defeated One Hundred Kings last time, is expected to be one of the leading contenders if he takes his place in the field. The Carry Back also features several talented runners looking to make an impact.
Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. will send out Langvad for the race, with the colt entering after a strong front-running victory over six furlongs on May 23. Joseph believes the son of Awesome Slew has the ability to compete at a higher level despite the quick turnaround.
“He ran big last time, a big race, got a big number,” Joseph said. “He is stepping up in class so he’s going to have to prove it again.”
Wayne’s Law brings valuable stakes experience into the contest and has been among the more consistent runners in the division. Trained by Amador Sanchez, the colt has competed against some of the strongest three-year-olds this season and will return to dirt after a turf appearance.
Moonstrocity is another runner attracting attention after a recent return to one-turn racing produced a maiden victory at Gulfstream Park. The Tiz the Law colt will start from the inside position with Jose Morelos aboard.
The field is completed by Demolition, Sonic Surge and Move Jesse Move, each looking to take another step forward in the seven-furlong event.
The Carry Back Stakes is expected to provide a revealing test for a group of improving three-year-olds, with One Hundred Kings aiming to prove that the longer distance can unlock his full potential.
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