HALLANDALE BEACH, FL: Undefeated juvenile Sum of Success will return to action at Gulfstream Park on Sunday, November 15, with an unblemished record to protect in the $75,000 Juvenile Sprint, a six-furlong contest that will headline an 11-race programme.
The son of Win Win Win has made an impressive start to his racing career, recording three consecutive victories against Florida-bred opposition for owners Johnston Racing LLC, Michael and Jules Iavarone and Hopeless Stables. After a two-month break, the Bobby Dibona-trained colt is ready to resume competition in an open-company field of six.
Sum of Success had been sidelined following an illness that disrupted his preparation. Dibona explained that the colt developed a fever after his previous appearance, with concerns about a possible respiratory infection forcing the stable to ease his training programme. However, his recovery has progressed well, and a recent five-furlong workout in 59 seconds has encouraged the trainer ahead of his return.
The youngster first caught attention on July 20 at Gulfstream Park, overcoming early interference before producing a commanding 7½-length victory in a five-furlong maiden special weight. He followed that performance with an even more emphatic display in the six-furlong In Summation Stakes, winning by 11½ lengths three weeks later.
His latest appearance came in the seven-furlong Express Tour on September 5, where he secured a comfortable 5¼-length victory without being fully extended by jockey Jonathan Ocasio.
Dibona had identified the colt’s potential before his racecourse debut, purchasing him for $165,000 at the OBS April two-year-olds-in-training sale. His early performances have justified that confidence, and the trainer will now look for another positive showing as the colt steps into open company.
Ocasio retains the ride on Sum of Success, who will carry considerable expectations in Sunday’s Juvenile Sprint.
Real Gone Heads the Opposition to Sum of Success
Among the challengers, Real Gone appears to be a significant rival. Owned by KMN Racing LLC, the Kentucky-bred son of Olympiad is trained by Patrick Biancone and will return after a two-month break.
Real Gone last competed in the Grade 3 Iroquois at Churchill Downs, finishing fifth in the one-mile contest. Before that outing, the colt recorded an impressive 8½-length victory in a six-furlong maiden special weight at Gulfstream Park on August 22. He had earlier finished fourth on turf over seven and a half furlongs on his debut.
J. G. Torrealba, who partnered Real Gone to his maiden success, will once again take the mount.
Ford Roadster is another contender with previous experience at Gulfstream Park. Owned by Daniel Alonso and trained by Ramon Minguet, the son of Roadster won on debut over four and a half furlongs on the main track in April.
He subsequently finished second in the five-furlong Hollywood Beach Stakes on turf on September 26 before taking third in a five-furlong optional claiming allowance on Tapeta on November 1. Leading rider Leonel Reyes will partner the gelding.
The remaining places in the six-horse field will be occupied by Mane Affair, owned by Peter J. Mirabelli Trust, Spicy Taco, representing Smith Ranch Stables, and Brett McLellan’s Mitts.
With Sum of Success returning after an encouraging recovery and several rivals bringing useful recent form, the Juvenile Sprint promises an interesting examination of the unbeaten colt’s ability against a broader group of competitors.
Gulfstream Park Prepares for a Busy Saturday Programme
Gulfstream Park will also host an 11-race programme on Saturday, November 14, featuring the $75,000 Juvenile Sprint and the $60,000 Groupie Doll overnight handicap, alongside a series of public entertainment activities.
Family Day at the Races, organised through the Kids Club, will run from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Flamingo Room. The event will include a DJ, interactive entertainment and activities for children, with the film Secretariat scheduled for screening on the infield scoreboard following the races.
The venue will also mark the beginning of its annual Symphony in Lights celebration. The free seasonal attraction will run nightly through December 31, featuring more than 250,000 LED lights accompanied by seasonal favourites and popular music. A 10-minute presentation will take place at the top of each hour between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.
The weekend programme adds to an active period at Gulfstream Park, with the Juvenile Sprint providing the principal racing attraction and Sum of Success attracting attention as he looks to extend his perfect record.
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