There was little doubt about the outcome once Arindel’s Mythical found her rhythm at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, the talented filly brushing aside her rivals with a performance that underlined her standing among the leading three-year-olds in training.
Sent off a prohibitive favourite for the $100,000 Sophomore Filly Sprint, the Jorge Delgado-trained runner overcame a slightly awkward break before asserting her superiority in emphatic fashion. Tracking the early duel between Flowko and Love Like Lucky, she travelled smoothly into contention under Edgard Zayas and swept to the front three-wide approaching the home turn.
From there, the outcome was never in doubt. Mythical lengthened her stride through the stretch, drawing clear without being asked for maximum effort, eventually crossing the line 5½ lengths to the good. It marked her sixth stakes success from just nine career starts.
“At the break, somebody leaned on her, so she wasn’t too sharp from the gate, but after that everything was smooth,” Delgado said. “She was the best filly in the race and she’s one of the best fillies in the country.”
Zayas, who returned to South Florida for the ride having recently been competing at Aqueduct, echoed that sentiment. “She’s not like a huge filly, but she has a very big heart,” he said. “I’m happy to ride her and for her owners. Jorge has done a really good job with her. Hopefully this year she shows she can probably win a Grade 1.”
The daughter of St. Patrick’s Day has long hinted at top-class ability. After an eye-catching debut win at Gulfstream last spring, she defeated male rivals in the Tremont and added the Adirondack Stakes (G3) at Saratoga Race Course. Her juvenile campaign also included a pair of Florida Sire Stakes victories, cementing her reputation as one of the most consistent performers of her generation.
Although she suffered a minor setback on her seasonal return in the Forward Gal Stakes (G3), Mythical quickly returned to winning ways in the Any Limit Stakes and appeared sharper again here, stopping the clock for six furlongs in 1:11.13.
“She’s getting better,” Delgado added, suggesting further targets could include a return to Saratoga for the Jersey Girl Stakes in early June, a race that would offer another opportunity to enhance her already impressive record.
Behind the winner, La Chimosa finished a clear second, 5½ lengths ahead of Flowko in third, with the remainder well strung out.
Earlier on the card, another of the afternoon’s Florida-bred features produced a decisive winner as My Boy Star captured the $100,000 FHBPA Sophomore Sprint.
Ridden by Sonny Leon, the Alejandro Mendiata-trained colt broke sharply and made every yard of the running, holding off challengers to score by 2ÂĽ lengths. The son of Bucchero completed the six furlongs in 1:11.01, building on a dominant maiden victory at Tampa Bay Downs.
“I knew he was fast,” Leon said. “I worked him every day before his first start, so I had a good feel for him. Lucky for me, I didn’t have another mount in this race.”
Rockies Balboa finished second, just ahead of Sweeping Shadow, as My Boy Star confirmed his progress with a performance of real promise.
Together, the two sprint contests offered a clear reminder of the depth of talent among Florida-bred three-year-olds, with Mythical’s display standing out as one of the most authoritative efforts of the meeting.
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