Nicks Pair Win Gulfstream's Lasix-Free Races
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Trainer Ralph Nicks dominated the two $65,000 Lasix-free races for 2-year-old fillies on Gulfstream Park's July 18 card.
Nicks sent out GoldMark Farm's Dancie ($7.40) and Bell Racing's Kandoo ($4.60) for debut victories in the sixth and eighth races, both maiden special weight events, respectively.
Dancie, a daughter of D'wildcat , drew off to a 5 1/4-length front-running triumph, completing 4 1/2 furlongs in :51.69 over a sealed fast track. Nicks-trained Harlan's Darlin finished third after a troubled start, 4 1/4 lengths behind Juan Leyva trainee Sweet Khaleesi.
Kandoo broke alertly from her No. 1 post and widened her advantage to the finish line, scoring by 5 3/4 lengths over Nicks-trained More Royalty. The daughter of Kantharos ran 4 1/2 furlongs in :51.32. Tyler Gaffalione rode both Nicks-trained winners.
"Both fillies that won were well-educated. They were here longer. They were more experienced," Nicks said.
Nicks has enjoyed much success with 2-year-olds during the spring and summer at Gulfstream.
"That's our future," he said.
Two more $65,000 Lasix-free races for 2-year-olds are scheduled for the fourth and eighth races on Sunday's card.