The Gulfstream Park stakes results gave racegoers plenty to cheer about on Saturday, with the crowd roaring as Asher’s Edge surged clear in the Umphrey Sprint and Leo Toro dug deep to extend her winning run in the Ginger Punch. The double served up a lively mix of speed, grit, and celebration in Hallandale Beach.
Asher’s Edge Dominates Umphrey Sprint
Neither the outside post nor a sudden shift from turf to the all-weather Tapeta slowed Asher’s Edge, who stalked pacesetter Cruzin Man before taking command entering the stretch. Ridden masterfully by Edwin Gonzalez, Asher’s Edge covered five furlongs in 56.08 seconds, securing his fourth career win and his second consecutive Umphrey triumph for Fawkes.
“Watching him work on Tapeta compared to dirt, it’s a world of difference,” Fawkes said. “He really loves this surface.”
Cruzin Man set the early pace in a swift 21.62-second opening quarter, with Abrir Caminos tracking in third. Asher’s Edge, breaking outside his rivals, surged past at the half-mile mark (44.46) and drew away for a comfortable victory. Abrir Caminos finished second, a length ahead of Biz Biz Buzz, followed by Winfromwithin, Cruzin Man, and Eamonn.
Gonzalez reflected on the ride: “I didn’t want to force him up front. I let the speed go, and when he was ready, he just took over.”
The Umphrey Sprint honors the late Bob Umphrey, a respected racing secretary whose influence helped shape South Florida’s summer racing scene, attracting top trainers and horses from across the country.
Leo Toro Holds Off Starship Impulsive in Ginger Punch
The stakes action continued with the $75,000 Ginger Punch Handicap for fillies and mares, where Leo Toro, under jockey Micah Husbands, resisted a late surge from favored Starship Impulsive to claim victory by half a length over the multiple stakes winner.
“From the start, I wanted to let her relax and keep her comfortable. When I asked her, she fought all the way,” said Husbands, celebrating his second career stakes triumph.
Leo Toro, coming off back-to-back front-running wins, led throughout, clocking one mile and 70 yards in 1:39.62 over the Tapeta. Starship Impulsive held on for second, with Show Off completing the trifecta. Scratched runners included Lady Cha Cha, who was moved off the turf due to an afternoon rainstorm.
The Ginger Punch, named after Florida-bred champion mare Ginger Punch, highlighted the enduring legacy of the Grade 1 winner, who captured five Grade 1 stakes during her career and amassed more than $3 million in earnings.
Read more racing news and Gulfstream Park stakes results at RaceBuzz.
