Classic of Course will have a chance to bounce back on more favorable turf conditions as he lines up for Saturday’s $75,000 Not Surprising Stakes at Gulfstream Park. Following an uncharacteristically subdued effort over softer ground in the Grade 1 American Turf at Churchill Downs, the three-year-old colt returns to a track where he’s already proven effective, notably scoring in the Cutler Bay Stakes.
Trainer Patrick Biancone has observed the colt’s development with optimism, pointing to improved maturity and his preference for firm ground as key factors heading into this weekend’s race. After showing early promise on dirt, Classic of Course has transitioned effectively to turf, signaling a new phase in his career. With Jonathan Ocasio in the irons, expectations are high as he’s listed as the 2-1 favorite in the morning line.
Facing him is Arindel’s Tank, a consistent stakes performer currently riding a two-win streak. Trained by Carlos David, the colt is fresh off back-to-back wins in the Sophomore Turf at Tampa Bay and the English Channel at Gulfstream. Jockey Emisael Jaramillo returns to partner with Tank, having recently delivered a notable win in the Tremont at Saratoga.
Nemo, representing the Saffie Joseph Jr. stable, will aim to improve on his fourth-place finish in the English Channel. His prior maiden win showed a strong late kick, and this Saturday he’s paired for the first time with Wilfred Vasquez. Joseph also saddles Back in the Saddle, who scored a decisive maiden victory last time out. Edgard Zayas retains the mount.
The field also includes Bluff, trained by Hall of Famer Mark Casse, who arrives in strong form following two straight wins. Miguel Vasquez will be aboard as the colt makes his stakes debut. Other contenders include Lastabitlonger, Bakers Street, and Blue Casanova. Win With Faith, though entered, will not participate.
Miguel Vasquez also had a personal milestone this week, notching his 1500th North American victory aboard Mi Amore during Thursday’s program. A graduate of Panama’s prestigious Laffit Pincay Jr. Jockey School, Vasquez has been a reliable presence at Gulfstream Park since 2014. He added another win later in the day aboard Torch Is Passed, continuing a strong run of form.
Looking ahead to Friday’s racing at Gulfstream, the Rainbow 6 Jackpot Pool is projected to hit $100,000. The wager spans Races 4 through 9, featuring promising juveniles in a five-furlong turf sprint and a competitive Tapeta allowance in Race 8. Among the key contenders are Ciborio, a debut runner trained by Jose D’Angelo, and Iron Hand, who’s seeking a third consecutive win in the day’s featured Tapeta contest.
The Rainbow 6 remains a popular betting option thanks to its jackpot format, where a single unique ticket with all six winners unlocks the full pool. Otherwise, a split system rewards those with the most correct picks, while a portion carries forward to the next pool—keeping the stakes high every race day.
