Trainer Walder Wins Seventh Consecutive Race
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Photo: Courtesy of Gulfstream Park
Trainer Peter Walder
Trainer Peter Walder won his seventh consecutive race when Richard Perkins' High Heater ($15) scored a frontrunning victory in the second race Feb. 24 at Gulfstream Park for $12,500 claimers.
Walder's win percentage over his win streak isn't 100%, but it's close. He ran two starters in the second race Wednesday—meaning that aside from a highly unusual dead heat for first, one had to lose. High Heater and Walder's other starter, Surf Shack, did the next best thing, running 1-2, separated by a neck. Surf Shack is owned by Walder Racing.
"Everything is clicking. The right races are coming at the right time. Horses are just doing good," Walder said. "The game is a rollercoaster. I'm a streaky trainer to begin with. I don't want to curse myself, but I might go 0-for-the-next month. I'll just enjoy it while it lasts."
Walder's stretch of victories, all at Gulfstream, began Feb. 18 when Honolulu Express scored in an allowance optional claiming race. The trainer added three more wins the next day with Florado, Liza Star, and Happy Champ, and then two more Feb. 20 with Northern and Ludington.
A winner of 930 races as a trainer from 3,962 starters (23%), Walder is in action next with Time to Two Step in the second race at Gulfstream Feb. 26.