Rainbow Heir wins final start in Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint

New Farm’s Rainbow Heir went out a winner in Saturday’s $175,000 Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint, closing off a heated early pace to prevail by two lengths.

The five-furlong turf dash for older horses was one of eight stakes on a 12-race program highlighted by the $16 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1).

Rainbow Heir, who closed out his career with his 14th victory and third stakes win in his last four starts, will stand at stud this year.

"They were going pretty quick, I was a little worried where we were placed early on, that maybe he wasn’t going to fire," said trainer Jason Servis. "He’s getting up there in years, but he’s heading up to Ocala. This is his last race. I think he’s a Breeder’s Cup horse, I don’t want him to go."

Irad Ortiz Jr. rated Rainbow Heir ($8.60) off a heated duel between Successful Native and Pay Any Price, the 5-2 favorite ridden by Edgard Zayas along the backstretch and around the turn. After a half-mile in 43.84 seconds, the pacesetters tired in the stretch, where Rainbow Heir surged to the lead on his way to a clear victory over 10 rivals.

"My horse has speed, he broke out well and put me in a good position," said Oritz. "I was following the Richard’s Boy, and I was patient and just waited. Before I turned for home I knew I had some horse and man, I don’t know how the [Richard’s Boy} will take off in the stretch, but I know I have some horse so when I asked him, he was there for me and we just flew by."

The 8-year-old son of Wildcat Heir ran five furlongs on a firm turf in 55.47. Oak Bluffs, a 35-1 longshot ridden by Paco Lopez, closed with a rush to finish second, a neck ahead of Richard’s Boy and jockey Joel Rosario.