Servis Sends Out Talented Pair in Gravesend

The 61st running of the $100,000 Gravesend Stakes Dec. 22 at Aqueduct Racetrack will have a talented field of six, highlighted by a prominent pair for conditioner Jason Servis, who entered graded stakes winners Firenze Fire and Happy Farm.

A 4-year-old homebred for Mr. Amore Stable, Firenze Fire enters the six-furlong Gravesend off a 4 1/4-length victory in the Fabulous Strike Stakes Nov. 27 at Penn National. The Poseidon's Warrior colt has made eight starts this year, including an impressive 4 3/4-length win in the Runhappy Stakes May 11 at Belmont Park.

Firenze Fire had runner-up efforts in the Forego Stakes Presented by Encore Boston Harbor (G1) and Vosburgh Stakes (G1) ahead of a fifth-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) Nov. 2 at Santa Anita Park.

Servis assistant Henry Argueta said Firenze Fire is in prime condition.

"He's doing really well at the moment," Argueta said. "We know it's a little close coming back from the Fabulous Strike, but he came out of his last race well and has shown good energy. He certainly deserves the chance to pick up another stakes race following his campaign, and that's what we'll hope for."

Happy Farm, a 5-year-old Ghostzapper  gelding for M and A Racing, was claimed for $30,000 in March at the Big A. Following a second-place finish in his first start for his new connections, Happy Farm has reeled off four consecutive wins, including a frontrunning score last out in the Fall Highweight Handicap (G3).

"When we got him, we knew he had some talent and back form," Argueta said. "He's really turned a corner for us and has been able to stay healthy and has improved in every start. We took a shot with him in the Fall Highweight because he has done so well, and he proved he belonged with a hard-fought victory. Since then, he's continued to train well in the mornings, and we'll see if he can pick up another stakes win here."

Drawing post 2, Firenze Fire will be ridden by Jose Lezcano. Happy Farm will leave from post 6 with Reylu Gutierrez aboard.

Looking to improve off a determined second-place finish in the Fall Highweight is Wonderful Light for trainer Michelle Nevin and Jay Em Ess Stable.

The 5-year-old Tiz Wonderful son has made five starts this year, including two victories. He finished second in the non-black-type Rumson Stakes July 4 at Monmouth Park.

"He ran a game race last time out," Nevin said. "Since then, he's continued to do well, so hopefully he can run another good race here."

With a record of 1-2-0 from three starts at Aqueduct, Wonderful Light will depart from post 4 under jockey Jorge Vargas Jr.

Also entered is fan favorite T Loves a Fight for trainer Orlando Noda in ownership with Noda Brothers who will look to improve off a second-place finish in the New York Stallion Series Stakes Thunder Rumble division Nov. 24; No Distortion for trainer Bob Dunham and Jupiter Stable; and Seethisquick for owner and trainer Darmindra Dharamjit.

Entries: Gravesend S.

Aqueduct Racetrack, Sunday, December 22, 2019, Race 9

• STK
• 6f
• Dirt
• $100,000
• 3 yo's & up
• 3:46 PM (local)

PP	Horse	Jockey	Wgt	Trainer	M/L
1	1T Loves a Fight (NY)	Dylan Davis	122	Orlando Noda	12/1
2	2Firenze Fire (FL)	Jose Lezcano	124	Jason Servis	2/5
3	3No Distortion (KY)	Eric Cancel	122	Bob G. Dunham	30/1
4	4Wonderful Light (KY)	Jorge A. Vargas, Jr.	124	Michelle Nevin	5/1
5	5Seethisquick (KY)	Joey R. Martinez	122	Darmindra Dharamjit	15/1
6	6Happy Farm (FL)	Reylu Gutierrez	126	Jason Servis	7/2