Change in plans works for Sweet Khaleesi in Sugarloaf Key

A change in tactics for Sweet Khaleesi in Saturday’s $50,000 Sugarloaf Key Handicap at Gulfstream Park resulted in a trading of places with Money Or Love. The 4-year-old daughter of Maimonides, whose rally from off the pace fell short by a neck in the seven-furlong Added Elegance Handicap July 29, set the pace in Saturday’s six-furlong sprint and held off the late drive of Money Or Love to win by a neck.

Sweet Khaleesi ran six furlongs over a sloppy track in 1:10.34 under Emisael Jaramillo, to prevail over Money Or Love, who finished 4 ½ lengths clear of third-place finisher Sweet Tooth Haven.

“I was a little concerned about the six furlongs, because I don’t think she wants to be rushed to the front, but on this kind of track you don’t want to sit off of it,” trainer Stanley Gold said. “She’d preferred to stalk and press the issue and come on, but it worked out.”

The Arindel Farm homebred, who was stakes-placed last year, has steadily blossomed in four starts since joining Gold’s stable. Coming off a six-month layoff, she finished second in a $30,000 claiming race at six furlongs in June before capturing a 6 ½-furlong optional claiming allowance race July 16. The Florida-bred filly closed from eighth with a six-wide move to finish a close second to Money Or Love in the Added Elegance.