There’s something quietly defiant about a filly like Starship Impulsive. After her four-race winning streak was snapped by the narrowest of margins last month, the chestnut daughter of Improbable returns to Gulfstream Park on Friday with the fire of unfinished business. Her target: the $75,000 Cellars Shiraz Stakes, a 1 1/16-mile turf test for 3-year-old fillies.
The Cellars Shiraz marks not just another start but a return to familiar ground — literally. Starship Impulsive was beaten only half a length when the Ginger Punch Handicap was moved off the turf onto Tapeta in September. Trainer Steve Dwoskin believes that made all the difference.
“The race came off the turf. She likes turf better,” Dwoskin said with a calm conviction. “She still ran good, but this is where she’s happiest. We’re looking forward to getting her back on grass.”
Confidence Restored
It’s not hard to see why confidence runs high in the Starship barn. Once Dwoskin stretched his filly around two turns, she blossomed — collecting consecutive wins in the Honey Ryder, Martha Washington, and Frolic’s Revenge, all on turf. That streak transformed her from a promising maiden winner into one of South Florida’s most reliable young turf runners.
“She wants distance,” Dwoskin said. “She enjoys running, and she’s really come into herself.”
Installed as the 5-2 morning-line favorite, Starship Impulsive will again team up with Leonel Reyes, who guided her through that remarkable four-race run.
Rising Competition in the Cellars Shiraz
Among those standing in her way is Mischief in Motion, a Live Oak Plantation filly with growing credentials of her own. Trained by Michael Trombetta, she steps in after a commanding 3½-length score in Delaware Park’s Christiana Stakes.
“She seems to have hit another level on grass,” Trombetta said. “We know there aren’t many 3-year-old turf races left this season, so this one drew a very strong group.”
Purchased for $535,000 at Keeneland, Mischief in Motion will be reunited with Antonio Gallardo, the jockey who partnered her to both of her earlier wins.
Notables Among the Challengers
Nosleeptilbrooklyn, trained by Brian Lynch, will shorten up in distance after facing Grade 3 company in the Dueling Grounds Oaks. Lynch believes that change could be the key.
“She’s had time to freshen up, and I think she’ll like cutting back,” Lynch said. “When she settles and makes one run, she’s at her best.”
Also in the field is Ramsey Pond, representing Ken Ramsey and trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. — a consistent Gulfstream performer still chasing her first local win despite several near-misses in graded stakes. She’s rated the 3-1 second choice and will be ridden by Micah Husbands for the first time.
Joseph also saddles Bellavinino and Brown Sugar, while Joe Orseno’s Phoenix of Wit brings improving turf form, having broken her maiden by four lengths before finishing a game second in New York.
Completing the lineup are Majustify, Crafty Collector, Jalila, and Fede — a competitive cast that ensures no easy redemption story.
Starship Impulsive Eyes Turf Revival
With her return to her preferred surface and the confidence of her connections behind her, Starship Impulsive looks poised to remind Gulfstream fans why she’s one of the brightest turf fillies in the region. Friday’s Cellars Shiraz Stakes could be her chance to turn near-miss frustration into a resounding comeback.
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