Nicks-Trained 2-Year-olds Dominate Lasix-Free Races
Trainer Ralph Nicks dominated the two $65,000 Lasix-free races for 2-year-old fillies on Saturday’s Gulfstream program, saddling GoldMark Farm’s Dancie ($7.40) and Bell Racing’s Kandoo ($4.60) for debut victories in the sixth and eighth races, respectively.
Dancie, a daughter of D’wildcat, drew off to a 5¼-length front-running triumph, completing 4 ½ furlongs in 51.69 seconds over a sealed fast track. Nicks-trained Harlan’s Darlin finished third after a troubled start, 4 ¼ lengths behind Sweet Khaleesi.
Kandoo broke alertly from her No. 1 post and widened her advantage to the finish line, scoring by 5 ¾ lengths over Nicks-trained More Royalty. The daughter of Kantharos ran 4 ½ furlongs in 51.32 seconds. Tyler Gaffalione rode both Nicks-trained winners.
“Both fillies that won were well educated. They were here longer. They were more experienced,” Nicks said.
Nicks has enjoyed much success with 2-year-olds during the spring and summer at Gulfstream.
“That’s our future,” he said.
Two more $65,000 Lasix-free races for 2-year-olds are scheduled for the fourth and eighth races on Sunday’s card.
Silver Sashay Captures Bougainvillea Handicap
Acclaimed Racing’s Silver Sashay ($11) closely attended the early pace before kicking in through the stretch to post a length victory in the $60,000 Bougainvillea Handicap, a five-furlong turf sprint for fillies and mares.
The 5-year-old daughter of Eurosilver posted her third straight victory while providing trainer Sally Mitchelhill with her first career success.
“It feels pretty good. The race played out like I thought. She had been running her best and feeling very well,” Mitchelhill said. “I'm just really happy that she won more than anything.”
Silver Sashay ran five furlongs on a firm turf course in 55.58 seconds under Eduardo Nunez. Celebrity Star rallied for second, 1 ¼ lengths ahead of Zamquick.
Sunday’s Rainbow 6 Carryover Jackpot Pool at $13,180
Multiple tickets with the 2-3-1-7-2-6 returned $5332.92.
Source: Gulfstream Park