There’s a quiet optimism in trainer Brian Lynch’s tone when he talks about Jimmy’s Dailys. The colt has battled, matured, and found his rhythm on dirt — but now, a new chapter awaits. On Saturday at Gulfstream Park, Jimmy’s Dailys will step onto the grass for the first time in his young career, headlining the $75,000 Showing Up Stakes, and with it, a fresh test of his potential.
A Grass Gamble for a Proven Performer
Owned and bred by Donald Dizney, Jimmy’s Dailys has never lacked for heart. After an unplaced effort in the Florida Derby (G1) back in March, he’s since hit the board in every race, including two gutsy runner-up finishes at Ellis Park and Churchill Downs. His resume reads like a colt on the verge of something more — a horse that’s learned from every stride.
Now, the question is whether that same determination translates to turf.
“Two turns, grass, there’s a lot to be excited about,” said Lynch, whose stable has been on a strong run this season. “It’s an experiment, sure, but he’s got that kind of action that makes you think he’ll handle the surface just fine.”
The Showing Up Stakes, a 1 1/16-mile test for 3-year-olds, shares billing with the $75,000 Armed Forces Stakes for juveniles on Gulfstream’s 11-race card. First post is at 11:55 a.m.
Steady Climb Through the Ranks
By Vekoma, a two-time Grade 1 winner known for passing on his versatility, Jimmy’s Dailys broke his maiden over seven furlongs at Gulfstream during the Championship Meet. He followed that with a strong second behind Grande, who later finished runner-up in the Wood Memorial (G2). His owners saw enough class to give him a shot in the Florida Derby — a bold move that may have helped shape him for what’s next.
A minor chip was removed after that race, but he’s bounced back better than ever. His summer campaign showed fight and consistency — a second in the Ellis Park Derby and another in the Harrods Creek Stakes — both times finishing behind highly regarded rivals.
Lynch believes Saturday could reveal whether his colt’s ceiling lies higher than expected. “He’s done nothing wrong since coming back,” he said. “If he takes to the grass, this could open a lot of doors.”
Nik Juarez will ride Jimmy’s Dailys, who drew Post 7 in a deep 14-horse field.
Souper Forces, Magic Pathway Add Depth to Field
While Jimmy’s Dailys headlines, Maryland-based trainer Michael Trombetta brings intrigue with a powerful duo — Magic Pathway and unbeaten Souper Forces, both bred by Live Oak Plantation.
Magic Pathway has proven stamina and a touch of class, finishing second in the Saranac Stakes (G3) at Saratoga. “We’re running out of options up north for these kinds of horses, so we’re starting to migrate south,” Trombetta said, referring to his Florida string’s seasonal move.
Meanwhile, Souper Forces has been the definition of efficiency — two starts, two wins, one on the Presque Isle synthetic and the other on turf at Colonial Downs. Trombetta admits even he’s been surprised by how quickly the colt has developed. “He’s quiet in training, but his races have been remarkably good,” he said. “We’ll find out what he’s made of against this level.”
Samy Camacho takes the reins on Magic Pathway (Post 3, 12-1), with Cipriano Gil aboard Souper Forces (Post 6, 15-1).
Pletcher’s Candytown and Layabout Among Top Challengers
Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher sends out Candytown (Post 5, 3-1), who has won over the distance and course before and brings reliable turf form. Layabout (Post 12, 4-1) also enters with credentials — two summer wins at Gulfstream and a closing fourth in the Gun Runner at Churchill.
Rounding out the strong cast are X Y Prime (15-1), Day and Age (12-1), English Law (30-1), Discreet Dancer (20-1), Win With Faith (30-1), Assertiveness (12-1, first off the claim for Saffie Joseph Jr.), and Versus (12-1), third in Delaware Park’s Kent Stakes.
Jimmy’s Dailys Eyes Turf Breakthrough at Gulfstream
Trainer Brian Lynch’s decision to switch Jimmy’s Dailys to grass in the $75,000 Showing Up at Gulfstream Park could define the colt’s next chapter. With proven stamina, form, and a pedigree that suggests turf potential, the 3-year-old faces a field packed with emerging contenders — including Trombetta’s Souper Forces and Pletcher’s Candytown.
Whether the experiment turns into a breakthrough remains to be seen, but all signs point to a colt ready for his moment.
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