Devine Aida Takes the Cake in Herecomesthebride

The rain came down in sheets, but nothing could dampen trainer Ramon Morales’ mood after his trainee Devine Aida recorded her fourth straight victory in Saturday’s $150,000 Herecomesthebride Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park.

Moved to a sloppy main track due to inclement weather, the 1 1/16-mile Herecomesthebride was reduced to a field of six after three fillies, including the 9-5 morning line favorite Consumer Credit, scratched from the race. Stronach Stables’ Devine Aida, who made her first two starts on dirt and broke her maiden on the surface at Gulfstream Park West in October, had no problem with the change, splashing home to a 6 ¾-length victory over Sweet Swingin and Temper Mint Patty.

“I’ve trained many winners in Puerto Rico, but to come to American and win a race like this is a great feeling,” Morales, who trained more than 1,200 winners in Puerto Rico before coming to Gulfstream last year to train about a dozen young horses for Frank Stronach, said. “I am so grateful to Mr. Stronach for the opportunity.”

A 3-year-old daughter of Unbridled’s Song, Devine Aida capitalized on her tactical speed in the Herecomesthebride. After Arella Princess got the jump on her at the break, Devine Aida gained the advantage when the other filly bore out going around the first turn. Under Jesus Rios, Devine Aida shot through the hole that opened up along the rail, took the lead on the backstretch, and never looked back.

“I was sitting third when the three-horse on the lead drifted out,” Rios said. “At the three-quarter pole, I made the move to the lead. She ran a good race.”

“Once she went to the lead, I knew the race was over,” Morales added.

Devine Aida previously won the Ginger Brew Stakes on grass at Gulfstream on Jan. 3 as well as a turf allowance at Gulfstream Park West in November, but after notching her second main track victory, Devine Aida will now remain on dirt and target the Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2), also a 1 1/16-mile race, on March 28.

“We knew she’d be better the farther she went,” Morales said.

Devine Aida returned $5.80 to win, while Sweet Sweet Swingin paid $3.40 to place, and Temper Mint Patty’s show returned $2.40. The final time for the race was 1:49.01.

Source: Gulfstream Park Press Release