All Included surges in stretch to capture Appleton

Wertheimer and Frere’s All Included used a stretch surge to go from last to first and capture the 66th running of the $200,000 Appleton Stakes (G3) on Saturday at Gulfstream Park.

 

The 6-year-old chestnut ridden by Javier Castellano and trained by Todd Pletcher posted a winning time of 1:33.12 for the mile on a firm turf course.

 

The race was the first of nine stakes, six graded, worth $2.45 million as part of a card highlighted by the $1 million Xpressbet.com Florida Derby (G1).

 

Even-money favorite All Included won by half a length ahead of Stronach Stables’ Delta Prince, ridden by Jose Ortiz and trained by Jimmy Jerkens. William Clifton’s Our Way, with John Velazquez aboard, was a length back in third.

 

Gabe Grossberg’s Siding Spring led while setting fractions of 23.41 seconds, 46.29 and 1:09.73. Castellano swung All Included to the outside around the far turn and gained ground steadily down the stretch for his first graded stakes victory after four placings from 16 previous starts.

 

 

Trainer Todd Pletcher (All Included): “I thought the mile would actual suit him well. Like it is in a compact field, you’re just hoping you get a good trip. Javier [Castellano] learned a little something about him last time. He had a pretty clear idea of how he wanted to ride him today and he pretty much followed the plan we talked about in the paddock. He gave him plenty of time to get his run together. It took him a little longer to do last time than he wanted. They have a race here at the end of the month [Miami Mile (G3) on 4/29]. He seems to really like Gulfstream, so we would consider staying here for that.”

 

Jockey Javier Castellano (All Included): “My concern was I tried to wait as long as I can in the race. I have the type of horse that comes from behind. I took my time and rode with a lot of patience and confidence because I had the best horse in the race. I think [trainer] Todd [Pletcher] did a great job with the horse. A mile I think it’s a little bit short for him but was in good shape to run in the race and I’m very happy and satisfied the way he did it today.”