Juvenile racing is set to resume at Gulfstream Park with an exciting maiden special weight event for 2-year-old fillies. The feature, scheduled for Thursday, April 17, has drawn an impressive turnout, with 11 entries set to compete over a short 4 ½-furlong distance on the main track. The return of this division adds anticipation to the spring meet, particularly with a strong line-up of debut runners representing high-profile sires and connections.
Among the newcomers is Bohemian, a filly by Essential Quality. Her connections include MHM Stables and JWS Racing, with trainer Jack Sisterson overseeing preparations at Palm Meadows. Bohemian has been put through her paces with a pair of breezes ahead of her debut. Essential Quality, a standout performer during his racing career, brings notable pedigree value as he transitions to his role as a sire.
The field also features entries from Arindel, with Mythical and Drama each making their first appearances. Jorge Delgado is in charge of Mythical’s conditioning, while Carlos David trains Drama. Both fillies bring interesting lineage and are based at the Palm Meadows facility, reflecting a commitment to early development for this ownership group.
Tosca, by Chance It, will also line up for her first start. She is under the care of Mary Lightner, who shares both breeding and ownership responsibilities. Chance It made his mark in Florida racing and now sees his first progeny step into the spotlight. Also making a debut is Instapurchase, a filly representing Instagrand, trained by Jackie Couture. Instagrand had early success as a racehorse and is now represented in the breeding shed.
Willow Case, who trains out of Ocala, adds further intrigue to the line-up. She’s by Neolithic, a durable racehorse who proved his consistency by earning multiple placings in major Grade 1 contests despite not securing a stakes win. Trainer Ramon Minguet handles her preparation.
Goldie Glory will break from the rail for Super Super Stable. A product of Ohio breeding, she is by Flameaway, known for his competitiveness and multiple stakes victories. The remainder of the field includes Rumpus in Paradise, A Rose for Skyler, and Deborahaprophetess. Ruth the Moabitess, another filly by the same sire as Deborahaprophetess, has been listed as an alternate entrant.
Turning attention to Saturday’s card, the Rainbow 6 jackpot pool is set to swell with an estimated $650,000 up for grabs. The wager has not been hit for ten straight racing days, increasing interest ahead of the upcoming 10-race program. The sequence, spanning Races 5 through 10, offers diverse conditions and surfaces, including Tapeta and turf.
The opening leg features older fillies and mares in a 5 ½-furlong sprint. Minxy will look to continue her winning form following a claim, while Founder’s Day and Chloe’s Toy also return with solid resumes on the synthetic track. Race 6 showcases a turf route for maiden fillies and mares, highlighted by Brown Sugar, a well-bred filly adding blinkers for her third start under new trainer Brad Cox. Restless Dreamer also brings consistent form to the race.
In the eighth race, a competitive turf contest for older fillies and mares will see multiple stakes performers clash over 7 ½ furlongs. Freedom Speaks, De Regreso, Time Passage, and Golden Canary lead a deep field. Freedom Speaks looks to bounce back after a close defeat in a sprint earlier this year, while De Regreso seeks an easier assignment following a tough run in a graded stakes event.
Race 9 presents an allowance with optional claiming conditions on the dirt. Catalytic, a runner-up in the Florida Derby, is expected to be competitive again as he looks to end a streak of narrow losses. Cardinale will make his return after a lengthy layoff following his appearance in the Risen Star earlier this year.
The finale, a maiden special weight for 3-year-olds on turf, has drawn a capacity field. Benny The Waiter has been installed as the early favorite, hoping to build on a solid effort in his second career outing and first stateside.
The Rainbow 6 will only be fully paid out if a single ticket with all six winners is sold. Otherwise, the prize pool is divided, with the majority distributed among those with the most correct picks. Any remaining amount rolls over unless it’s a mandatory pay-out day. That pay-out has been scheduled for Sunday, and projections suggest the pool could balloon to an estimated $4.5 million if it remains unclaimed beforehand.
Elsewhere on the Friday card, several riders enjoyed multiple victories. Leonel Reyes found success aboard Something Simple and Fiveeyesonskystars, while Emisael Jaramillo matched him with wins on Spy Hunter and Ashima. Edwin Gonzalez also scored twice with Diamonds N Thrills and Iron Hand. Notably, trainer Jose D’Angelo had a productive day with two winners at Gulfstream while also overseeing a stakes win at Keeneland with Shisospicy.
