McPeek says he's back 'til the bitter end' at Gulfstream Park

Kenny McPeek has picked up during the 2018-2019 Championship Meet where he left off at Gulfstream Park several years ago.

The veteran trainer, who enjoyed much success at Gulfstream Park for an extended period of time before switching his winter base to Oaklawn Park, was back in familiar territory on Feb. 2 while visiting the Gulfstream winner’s circle after saddling Harvey Wallbanger for a 29-1 upset victory in the $350,000 Holy Bull (G2) for 3-year-olds.

Saturday, McPeek will saddle graded-stakes winner Signalman for a start in the $400,000 Fountain of Youth (G2) for 3-year-olds at Gulfstream.

“I should never have left," McPeek said. "I was on a high roll of success here in 2010. I picked up a client that wanted me to come to Oaklawn. I sent a few horses over there at the beginning. A few turned into more.

"They don’t have turf racing. With the changes in the way the program is and Oaklawn having no turf races and now going into May. I wanted to get my horses consolidated, and I can consolidate them more in Florida than I could in Arkansas.”

McPeek, who saddled Harlan’s Holiday for a victory in the 2002 Florida Derby (G1), is hopeful that both Harvey Wallbanger and Signalman will continue to progress along the Triple Crown trail throughout the Championship Meet.

“Obviously, preparing a young horse down here, you can’t beat it. Whether you’re here at Gulfstream or the other training centers, you’re able to do all your work. You don’t miss any time. That’s probably the major reason for coming back,” McPeek said. “Also, I have a large base of my clientele that are down here. A lot of them live in South Florida and they love to see their horses run.

"And, gosh, you have to love the weather.”

McPeek, who is also preparing Grade 1 winning-filly Restless Rider for her 2019 debut in the spring, is viewing his return to Gulfstream Park as a long-term move.

“I think the condition book really fits us. It always has. I’ve developed a lot of young horses, that’s kind of been my game for a long time. I have a large group of young horses. We get all different categories in the condition book here, working with the racing secretary and racing office. It’s been ideal,” McPeeksaid. “I think you’re going to see me here ‘til the bitter end. I don’t think you’ll ever see me leaving.”