Sir Rabbit is Gulfstream's Energizer Bunny

During a time when the durability of today’s Thoroughbreds has come into question, Sir Rabbit is entered to make the 82 start of his career in Thursday’s fourth race.

“Knock on wood, he’s a veterinarian’s nightmare,” said trainer Jessica Campitelli, looking on as the 9-year-old gelding stood quietly during his morning bath. “We do acupuncture with him, but that’s all we do.”

Sir Rabbit will be chasing his 15th career victory and 49th on-the-board finish in Thursday’s $27,500 starter turf allowance, for which he has been rated co-second choice in the morning line behind Mike Maker-trained Major Marvel, the 7-5 favorite who lost a tight photo finish in the Claiming Crown Emerald at Gulfstream on Dec. 1.

“He doesn’t win every time, but he gives 150 percent every time,” Campitelli said. “He never cheats on you.”

Sir Rabbit, who has won at Gulfstream each of the past two seasons, has always held his own against youngsters, but he really asserted himself against his peers last August.

“He ran a race at Colonial this summer in a race for 8-year-olds and older. He won that,” Campitelli said with a wide smile. “That was neat.”

Campitelli said that Sir Rabbit always trains enthusiastically, providing his exercise rider with a handful of horse.

“He doesn’t even remotely tell us that he wants to go to the farm,” said Campitelli, after rushing to the tack room to retrieve some mints for the stable favorite. “He loves what he does.”

Campitelli reported that Mystic Love has come out of her victory in the $100,000 Dania Beach Stakes at Gulfstream last Saturday in good order. The 2-year-old filly, who beat the boys in the mile turf stakes, is expected to return in the $100,000 Sweetest Chant at Gulfstream on Jan. 27.