A gentle pat on the gelding’s neck and a reassuring smile from trainer Michael Lerman set the tone for what promises to be a memorable day at Gulfstream Park. Xy Speed, the 9-year-old veteran of 57 starts, is poised for another splash in Saturday’s $75,000 Bob Umphrey Turf Sprint, the third of four stakes on a star-studded 11-race card.
Known for his sharp bursts over five furlongs, Xy Speed has been a fan favorite at Gulfstream, claiming nine wins from 20 starts on the course and finishing third or better in 16 of those races. Lerman, mindful of the gelding’s age, is selective about when and where he runs. “He’s doing excellent, we’re just kind of watching the weather,” Lerman said. “He needs firm turf and if he doesn’t get it, he just won’t be in the gate. You can’t take him over there under less than optimal circumstances at this stage of his career.”
Xy Speed returns to the Umphrey for the third straight year, having missed last year’s renewal due to rain forcing the race onto Tapeta. His most recent run at Saratoga on Aug. 2 saw him bobble at the start and finish eighth, but Lerman is confident his horse can rebound. “He didn’t get beat that far. Irad [Ortiz Jr.] said he tipped him out, and they just kept going,” Lerman said.
Emisael Jaramillo will again be in the irons from Post 4 as the 5-2 favorite, while Post 5 sees Robert Cotran’s Eamonn, a seven-year-old multiple stakes winner, as the 4-1 second choice. Also notable are Abrir Caminos, coming off a close third in the Warrior’s Pride Handicap, and the D’Angelo-trained duo Biz Biz Buzz and Winfromwithin, both promising contenders seeking to add stakes glory to their records. Other entries include Cruzin Man, El Apagon, Louie the Sun King, and Asher’s Edge.
The five-furlong Umphrey is part of a stakes program totaling $420,000 in purses, with the card headlined by the $200,000 Princess Rooney (G3), a “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1). Post time is set for 12:50 p.m. Saturday.
Read the full story and all horse racing news on RaceBuzz.
