Fantasy Performer produced a determined late rally at Gulfstream Park on Sunday, coming from the rear of the field to capture the $70,000 Frolic’s Revenge overnight handicap and add a turf success to a record that had previously been built on both grass and synthetic surfaces.
Fantasy Performer wins at Gulfstream Park.
Ridden by Miguel Vasquez and trained by Cam Gambolati, the five-year-old covered the two-turn mile for fillies and mares in 1:33.13 on firm ground, getting up in the closing strides to defeat Little Jamie by a neck.
The race developed at a strong tempo from the outset. Do Gooder, drawn widest of the seven runners, moved forward quickly and established the early pace, completing the opening quarter-mile in 23.01 seconds. Miss Mary Nell settled close to the rail, while Lets Go Koko and Little Jamie raced nearby.
Vasquez kept Fantasy Performer towards the back as the field continued through the early stages, with Do Gooder reaching the half-mile in 45.43 seconds. As the leader began to weaken on the far turn, Vasquez angled his mount towards the outside and gradually began to close the gap.
The move brought Fantasy Performer into contention at the right moment. Little Jamie had taken a narrow advantage inside the final furlong and looked set to hold second place, but the late-running winner continued to find more ground. A strong final surge carried the five-year-old past Little Jamie close to the line.
Little Jamie finished second, a length ahead of Miss Mary Nell, while Hello Hello Hello was another half-length away in third. Turino, Lets Go Koko and Do Gooder completed the order of finish.
The victory marked the fourth of Fantasy Performer’s career, with two successes now recorded on turf and two on Tapeta. It also provided a significant addition to the record of a runner who had already shown useful form on synthetic surfaces this season.
Fantasy Performer had returned to Gambolati’s stable last December after making nine starts between November 2024 and May 2025. The comeback campaign began with a victory in the 1 1/8-mile Key West overnight handicap at Gulfstream Park on New Year’s Day.
The latest success followed a runner-up finish in the 1 1/16-mile Powder Break on July 11, when Fantasy Performer was beaten by half a length on Tapeta. The switch to turf brought a different test, but the performance suggested the surface was no obstacle.
Gambolati, who trained 1985 Kentucky Derby winner Spend a Buck, has handled Fantasy Performer throughout the current campaign. The trainer has indicated that the mare could now be considered for a start at Kentucky Downs, where the longer turf races could provide another opportunity.
For now, the Gulfstream Park victory gives the five-year-old a valuable new dimension to her record. After showing speed on synthetic surfaces and producing a strong finish over a mile on turf, Fantasy Performer has emerged from the Frolic’s Revenge with her options looking considerably broader.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to RaceBuzz