Lean Entertainment’s Tiffany Gold produced a front-running performance at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, successfully defending her crown in the $70,000 Lady’s Island Handicap and giving trainer Victor Barboza Jr. a memorable three-win afternoon.
Lady’s Island Handicap results
The five-furlong turf contest for fillies and mares aged three and above was the feature event on the 11-race card as Gulfstream Park’s Royal Palm Meet continued its weekend schedule. The victory also placed Venezuelan-born Barboza just one win away from reaching a significant career milestone in the United States.
Lady’s Island Handicap results saw Tiffany Gold control the race from the opening strides, breaking sharply under jockey Edwin Gonzalez before maintaining a comfortable advantage throughout the sprint. The six-year-old mare completed the firm turf course in 54.88 seconds, recording her sixth career success from 14 starts.
Tiffany Gold was sent out as the leading choice among six runners and quickly established command, with stablemate Le Amazonia settling behind her through the opening quarter-mile in 21.70 seconds. The winner continued strongly through the half-mile mark in 43.15 seconds before extending her advantage in the stretch.
The daughter of Bolt d’Oro found enough in reserve when challenged late, crossing the finish line 1½ lengths ahead of Le Amazonia, who returned from a three-month break with an encouraging effort. Great Venezuela, another Barboza-trained runner and a previous stakes winner on turf and Tapeta, completed the top three.
Greenfield Cougar finished fourth, followed by Coco Abarrio and Tree C’s Kai. Vindicate Cha Cha and Laila Bella Girl were withdrawn before the race.
Lady’s Island Handicap results confirmed Tiffany Gold’s continued strength over the five-furlong turf distance, a specialty that has produced some of her finest performances.
“She was the best mare for the race because there was no fighting to be in front. She was the only one in front,” Barboza said after the victory. “She won this race last year. She is special for the five furlongs on turf.”
Barboza also praised his other runners, noting that Great Venezuela performs particularly well on synthetic surfaces while Le Amazonia’s effort was promising despite returning from a lengthy absence.
The victory completed a significant day for Barboza, who had already won earlier races with Mon Coquette and I Wish You Love. The trainer, who achieved major success in Venezuela before moving to the United States in 2015, now stands one victory away from reaching 700 career wins in the country.
“It’s a very important number for me. I am very happy today. Not many Venezuelan trainers have won 700 races here,” Barboza said.
Barboza has enjoyed another productive campaign at Gulfstream Park, where his stable continues to produce consistent results. He currently sits among the leading trainers at the Royal Palm Meet and has also recorded success beyond Florida, including graded-stakes victories with Rich Mommy, Distinta and Petulante.
The trainer currently manages a growing operation with horses based at Gulfstream Park and Monmouth Park, while preparing several promising runners for upcoming assignments. Among them is Captain Danny, who has Group 1 form from Chile, along with Majestic Lucia, who is being aimed toward the Monmouth Oaks (G3).
The Lady’s Island Handicap is named in honour of the Florida-bred mare Lady’s Island, who won 18 of 35 career starts and earned more than $665,000 during a successful racing career from 2017 to 2021.
For Tiffany Gold, Saturday’s success added another chapter to her impressive record, while for Barboza, the afternoon moved him closer to a landmark achievement in American racing.
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