Valiant Force Makes Dirt Debut in Limestone

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1T) runner-up Valiant Force  will try the dirt surface for the first time in $100,000 Limestone Stakes Jan. 6 at Gulfstream Park.

A Kentucky-bred son of Malibu Moon, Valiant Force started four times in Europe before making his North American debut in the Breeders' Cup. The Amo Racing USA runner entered the Breeders' Cup a group stakes winner, having captured the Norfolk Stakes (G2) earlier in the year at the prestigious Royal Ascot meet.

Previously trained by Adrian Murray, Valiant Force joined trainer Jorge Delgado's stable at Gulfstream Park this winter, where he's been breezing consistently on the dirt. His last two works have resulted in a bullet half-mile in :47.11 Dec. 22 and a :47.25 half-mile from the gate clocking Dec. 30, the second-fastest of 81 to breeze that morning.

“It was a team decision (to run in the Limehouse)," Delgado said. "He’s been working out well in the morning. We think this is a good spot to see how he runs on dirt, and we’ll take it from there."

European rider David Egan, new to the Gulfstream Championship meet, has the call on Valiant Force.

Delgado will also saddle Amo Racing's Cuban Thunder , stakes-placed in Europe and eighth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1), and Golden Rock Thoroughbreds' Hermoso Hombre  in the six-furlong Limestone.