Iron Hand Bears Den Stakes Bid Anchors Gulfstream Turf Return
After dominating on Tapeta, Baoma Corporation’s Iron Hand now steps into the unknown with trainer Jose D’Angelo expressing cautious optimism. “The question mark is: Will he like turf?” D’Angelo said. “I’ve worked him on grass and he’s looked OK.”
Iron Hand began his career on dirt but turned a corner once switched to Gulfstream’s all-weather Tapeta on January 19. He rallied to win that day and has since added three more victories, including back-to-back allowance wins by open lengths in May and June.
“He’s improving. He’s moving forward,” D’Angelo said. “I’m very happy with him.” Regular rider Edwin Gonzalez retains the mount for the Bears Den test.
Form Rivals Line Up to Challenge Iron Hand
Facing Iron Hand are several turf-seasoned rivals. Win With Faith, trained by Ron Spatz and ridden by Miguel Vasquez, has placed in stakes like the Sophomore Turf and English Channel, both behind Grade 1 Belmont Derby participant Tank.
Layabout, trained by Patrick Biancone, enters off a turf allowance win after debuting impressively on Tapeta. Biancone also saddles I Know I Know, third behind Iron Hand last time and again in the July 5 Soldier’s Dancer.
Saffie Joseph Jr. sends out Forged Steel, third in both the English Channel and Cutler Bay Stakes on turf. He also entered Culpa, a maiden turf winner, and Reach for the Rose, making his seasonal debut under Rajiv Maragh.
Others include Lastabitlonger (3rd in Not Surprising, Leonel Reyes up), and Outta Money, switching to blinkers for Tareq Moubarak with Cipriano Gil aboard.
Bears Den Stakes: A Key Turf Test for 3-Year-Olds
The Iron Hand Bears Den Stakes storyline dominates a field that blends Tapeta form, turf experience, and fresh seasonal angles. With Gulfstream resuming turf stakes action, the 3-year-old feature could produce a new standout.
The stakes could also mark the beginning of a potential late-season campaign toward graded turf opportunities for Iron Hand, should he handle the grass with the same authority he’s shown on synthetic.
First post at Gulfstream Park is set for 12:50 PM ET. The Bears Den Stakes will go off later in the afternoon as part of a competitive card.
For more stakes previews and turf racing updates, visit RaceBuzz’s International section.
Full race information and official entries available on the Gulfstream Park website.
