Trainer David Fawkes returns to familiar surroundings with renewed confidence as he targets Saturday’s Go Cats Go overnight handicap at Gulfstream Park, aiming to turn recent international form into domestic success with stakes winner Asher’s Edge.
Fresh from a productive Middle Eastern campaign with stable star Reef Runner, Fawkes now shifts focus to the five-furlong turf contest, a $75,000 feature for older horses that headlines the opening weekend of the Royal Palm Meet. With a competitive field assembled, the Go Cats Go overnight handicap presents both opportunity and a stern test for a horse seeking to rediscover his winning touch.
Asher’s Edge, a consistent performer at this level, arrives off a string of solid efforts against strong opposition. He was fourth at long odds in December’s Janus Stakes, finishing less than two lengths behind his illustrious stablemate Reef Runner, who subsequently excelled on the international stage. The five-year-old followed that with another close fourth in the Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint, again beaten just under two lengths in a race that has since produced notable form lines.
Fawkes is prepared to overlook his latest outing at Tampa Bay Downs, where the gelding finished unplaced in the Turf Dash. The trainer remains confident the run does not reflect the horse’s true ability.
“The last one, I just put a line through that race,” Fawkes remarked. “He’s training well and doing everything right. Looking at this race, he fits.”
Drawn widest in a field of ten, Asher’s Edge is expected to benefit from clear running under jockey Diego Herrera. The outside post has previously proven advantageous, notably during his victory in last year’s Bob Umphrey Sprint, which was switched to the all-weather surface. His proven versatility across surfaces adds further confidence should conditions change.
Strong Rivals Line Up in Go Cats Go Overnight Handicap
Among the principal challengers in the Go Cats Go overnight handicap is the Joe Orseno-trained Mattingly, a durable five-year-old returning for his second start after a lengthy break. He shaped encouragingly when third over course and distance in early March, finishing strongly despite encountering traffic.
Stablemate Extendo, another seasoned campaigner, also commands respect. After a preparatory run at Tampa, he returned to form when setting a brisk pace before finishing second in the same March contest. Orseno believes a more measured ride could unlock further improvement.
“I didn’t want him going that quick last time,” Orseno explained. “If he can settle into a more even rhythm, he’s capable of a big performance.”
Okiro adds further intrigue to the field following an eye-catching victory from off the pace earlier this month. The five-year-old surged from last to first in that race, defeating several rivals he meets again here, including Mattingly and Extendo. Drawn on the rail, his chances may hinge on securing racing room at the right moment.
Trainer Jose Garoffalo remains optimistic. “He’s in good shape and training very well. If things go his way, he should run another strong race,” he said.
The line-up is further strengthened by the presence of War Bomber, a multiple graded stakes winner making his debut for a new yard, along with Esperon, adding depth to an already competitive sprint.
With several runners closely matched on recent form, Saturday’s feature promises a tightly contested finish. Yet, with conditions in his favour and preparation on track, Asher’s Edge appears poised to mount a serious challenge as he seeks to reward connections on home soil.
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