MHM Stables LLC and John Oxley’s COPERNIUM made a strong impression on debut, capturing Friday’s opening race at Gulfstream Park with a commanding 2 1/4-length victory. The performance marked a notable milestone, as the colt became the first winner for freshman sire Charlatan, a multiple Grade 1-winning son of Speightstown.
Trained by Jack Sisterson, Copernium overcame a rough start in the 4 1/2-furlong maiden special weight, recovering quickly under jockey Edwin Gonzalez to seize the lead entering the far turn and drawing clear in the stretch. The colt stopped the clock in 55.58 seconds over the short sprint, showing both athleticism and maturity beyond his first outing.
“He’s massive. He shouldn’t have gone 4 1/2 [furlongs], but he’s very forward,” Sisterson remarked. “We galloped this horse two miles every day. You can’t get to the bottom of him.”
Purchased for $375,000 at the OBS March 2-year-olds-in-training sale, Copernium lived up to expectations as the 3-2 second choice in a field that included heavily backed favorite Bowie, who finished second, four lengths ahead of California Kiss in third.
Sisterson noted that the colt’s imposing frame and stamina-oriented training routine suggest a strong aptitude for longer distances. “He trains like a horse that will get two turns,” he added.
Charlatan, trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert during his career, was a standout performer in 2020, winning the Arkansas Derby (G1) and Malibu Stakes (G1) before finishing second in the 2021 Saudi Cup.
Trainer Beau Chapman enjoyed a milestone moment Friday when BE THANKFUL, a 3-year-old filly by Promises Fulfilled, gave him his first career victory in Race 5 at Gulfstream Park. The filly broke sharply under Miguel Vasquez and led throughout the five-furlong Tapeta race to win by 3 1/2 lengths in 56.66 seconds.
“It feels good,” said Chapman, a graduate of the North American Racing Academy in Lexington, KY. “All the starters I’ve had ran well with a little bit of tough trips. But at the end of the day, they’re performing.”
Be Thankful was Chapman’s fifth starter, following three runner-up finishes and one third-place effort. The young trainer, who previously worked under Saffie Joseph Jr. and Dallas Stewart, credited his mentors for shaping his horsemanship.
“Saffie was a huge benefit to work for… My first job was with Dallas Stewart, and I learned a lot from him,” he said. Chapman currently manages a stable of six horses and is optimistic about building on this early success.
Racing continues this weekend at Gulfstream Park with a competitive lineup headlined by two stakes races on turf. Saturday’s program includes, The $80,000 Honey Ryder Stakes (Race 7), a mile turf race for 3-year-old fillies and The $80,000 English Channel Stakes (Race 11), a mile turf contest for 3-year-old colts. Both races promise to showcase emerging turf talent as the spring racing season heats up.
