Gunnevera sets sights on Delta Jackpot
Peacock Racing Stables’ graded stakes-winning juvenile Gunnevera will be pointed to the $1 million Delta Jackpot (G3) at Delta Downs Nov. 19 instead of the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Santa Anita Nov. 5.
The 2-year-old son of Dialed In, who captured the Saratoga Special (G2) at Saratoga Aug. 18, finished fifth in last Saturday’s Breeders’ Futurity (G1), in which he closed from 10th with a six-wide run.
“The horse ran a good race. The outside of the track was deep and he didn’t like it,” trainer Antonio Sano said. “I prefer to run in the $1 million Jackpot at Delta. We’ll pass on the Breeders’ Cup.”
Gunnevera, who is stabled at Gulfstream Park West, graduated in his third career start at Gulfstream July 16 after finishing second and fourth in a maiden race and a stakes, respectively, behind Three Rules, who recently emerged from a sweep of the 2016 Florida Sire Stakes undefeated in five starts and is pointing to the Juvenile.
In the Saratoga Special, Gunnevera closed from last with a wide drive to prevail by a length under Javier Castellano.
Queen Del Valle Surges to Fourth Straight Dominating Victory
Big Lick Farm’s Queen Del Valle surged to her fourth straight dominating victory Friday at Gulfstream Park West, scoring a 1 ¼-length triumph in the fourth race, a 7 ½-furlong starter optional claiming event on turf.
The 2-year-old daughter of Baryshnikov, who was claimed for $25,000 out of third-place finish in her debut over Gulfstream’s main track in June, has been untouchable in her four subsequent starts on turf.
Queen Del Valle was entered in Wednesday’s Grade 3 Jessamine at Keeneland but was scratched in favor of Friday’s race at Gulfstream Park West.
“The horse that won (La Coronel) just looked so dominant. There’s plenty of time. Turf horses typically have long careers, so I was just looking for an easier spot instead of a tougher one,” trainer Reid Nagle said.
Ridden by Edgard Zayas, Queen Del Valle saved ground behind a slow pace set by Frye’s Leap along the backstretch and around the far turn. The Kentucky-bred 1-2 favorite split horses leaving the turn into the stretch and surged to the lead, comfortably holding off late-running Shack Up, the 4-1 second choice ridden by Tyler Gaffalione. Queen Del Valle ran 7 ½ furlongs on turf in 1:33.61.
“I told him (Zayas) to avoid a speed duel, ideally be in a stalking position and not to use her any more than he needed to get the win,” Nagle said. “She’s very composed. She’s like an old mare.”
Source: Gulfstream Park West