Horsepower showcased his tenacity and growing potential with a determined late surge to secure victory in the $70,000 Go Cats Go Handicap, held at Gulfstream Park. This five-furlong turf sprint was part of the Royal Palm Meet’s opening weekend festivities, which drew additional attention with the presence of the NHL’s Stanley Cup, recently won by the local Florida Panthers.
After coming up just short in a strong stakes performance at Tampa Bay Downs earlier this year, the D.J. Stable-owned gelding returned with renewed focus under jockey Rajiv Maragh. Navigating a tightly contested field, the 4-year-old settled along the rail before angling out and accelerating powerfully down the lane to cross the wire three-quarters of a length ahead of his rivals. His final time of 54.86 seconds on the firm turf reflected the blistering pace of the contest.
Veteran sprinter Xy Speed, who at nine years old brought an impressive resume of 15 career wins into the race, managed to narrowly hold off Reef Runner to claim the runner-up spot. Despite a troubled start where he stumbled out of the gate, Xy Speed fought hard through tight traffic but couldn’t repel the late challenge from Horsepower.
Trainer Joe Orseno expressed his confidence in the gelding, noting the learning curve that continues to shape Horsepower’s development. He credited Maragh’s previous ride at Tampa Bay as a key moment in understanding how best to guide the gelding. Maragh, in turn, described the trip as nearly perfect, taking advantage of the fast early pace and finding a clear path at just the right moment to unleash his mount’s closing kick.
The pace scenario was intense from the outset, with Reef Runner setting the tone through a sizzling opening quarter, while Xy Speed and Bring Theband Home raced in close pursuit. Horsepower, meanwhile, remained patient, biding his time before launching his decisive move in the stretch.
Completing the field behind the top trio were Biz Biz Buzz and the favored Bring Theband Home, while several notable names—including Silks Run winner Eamonn—were scratched prior to post time. With this win, Horsepower improved his record to four victories and as many runner-up efforts from 11 starts, further cementing his consistency.
Orseno indicated that both Horsepower and stablemate Eamonn were originally slated for the race, but he opted to separate them to avoid a head-to-head clash. Looking ahead, Eamonn is set to contest the Grade 2 Shakertown Stakes at Keeneland, while Horsepower is being pointed toward the Jim McKay Turf Sprint on the Preakness undercard in mid-May. As the season unfolds, Horsepower appears poised to make his mark in the turf sprinting ranks.
