Got Stormy prevails in photo to win Gulfstream's G3 Honey Fox
My Racehorse CA and Spendthrift Farm’s multiple Grade 1 winner Got Stormy reeled in long shot pacesetter Jakarta in mid-stretch and held off a furious late bid from graded-stakes winner Zofelle by a nose to make a triumphant 6-year-old debut in Saturday’s $125,000 Honey Fox (G3) at Gulfstream Park.
The 36th running of the one-mile Honey Fox for older turf females was the sixth of nine stakes, eight graded, worth $1.475 million on a blockbuster 14-race program headlined by the $300,000 Fountain of Youth (G2) for 3-year-olds on the road to the $750,000 Florida Derby (G1) March 27, and $200,000 Davona Dale (G2) featuring the seasonal debut of 2-year-old filly champion Vequist.
With regular rider Tyler Gaffalione aboard for Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse, Got Stormy ($4.20) completed the distance in 1:35.52 over a firm course to earn her 11th career victory and push her bankroll further over the $2 million mark. Sent off as the even-money favorite in a field of eight, Got Stormy was racing for the first time since running fifth against males in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) Nov. 7.
“She had a great spot,” Casse said. “Just kind of what we thought, we thought the horse that was on the lead would be there and she was sitting nice. She kicked and you could see a little bit of the rustiness today. She kicked, but she didn’t kick as hard as she does sometimes. I think she’ll build from this and get better.”
It was the second win of the day for Gaffalione and helped provide of measure of relief for Casse. Earlier in the day, Casse ran second by a nose with Olympic Runner in the $125,000 Canadian Turf (G3) and saw Spanish Loveaffair disqualified from first to fourth in the $100,000 Herecomesthebride (G3).
Gaffalione settled Got Stormy in second behind Claiming Crown Distaff Dash winner Jakarta, who finished third to Got Stormy after setting the pace in the Franklin County (G3) last fall at Keeneland. Jakarta posted splits of 24.29 seconds, 48.76 and 1:12.72 and maintained the lead turning for home. Got Stormy ranged up in the straight and drew even inside the eighth pole as Zofelle began rolling on the outside, setting up the spirited bid to the wire.
Feel Glorious was part of the photo finish, running third, with Jakarta fourth and Art of Almost fifth.
“She’s a tremendous filly,” Gaffalione said of Got Stormy. “I’ve been able to get to know her the past few years and I have a lot of confidence every time I’m on her. She shows up every time”