Gigantic Breeze to Try Dirt in Claiming Crown Jewel
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Photo: Coady Photography
Gigantic Breeze at Presque Isle Downs Sept. 18
Based on both class and recent form, Gigantic Breeze looks like a standout in the $200,000 Claiming Crown Jewel Dec. 2 at Gulfstream Park, but the 4-year-old son of Giant's Causeway will be starting on the dirt for the first time.
The Claiming Crown offers nine races run under starter conditions for horses who have started at varying claiming levels in the past two years. The races do not offer black-type but do offer six-figure purses—the nine races combined will award $1.11 million.
With those purses on the line, in what is also the opening day card of the Gulfstream Park Championship Meet, the nine Claiming Crown races have 132 horses entered, counting those on also-eligible lists.
The Jewel, for 3-year-olds and older going 1 1/8 miles, is the most lucrative of the nine Claiming Crown races. Hopefield Farm homebred Gigantic Breeze enters off back-to-back stakes victories on synthetic surfaces, taking the Presque Isle Mile Stakes Sept. 17 before winning the 1 1/16-mile Autumn Stakes (G2) Nov. 12 at Woodbine.
Trained by Sandy McPherson, Gigantic Breeze closed out 2016 with three claiming races at Woodbine, where he failed to hit the board. Fortunately he was not claimed, because after he was gelded ahead of the 2017 season he returned a new horse, registering five wins and two other placings from seven starts this year while earning $342,022.
Still, he does face some question marks. Besides making his first start on dirt, Gigantic Breeze has finished off the board in his two previous starts at 1 1/8 miles and he'll be racing away from Woodbine for only the second time.
While the connections of Gigantic Breeze hope he will continue his roll, the connections of Diamond Bachelor hope he can turn things around. Last year Diamond Bachelor finished second in the Jewel, just a half-length behind Royal Posse, who won the race for a second straight year.
Diamond Bachelor has not finished better than fourth in his past four races going into this year's edition of the Jewel. Last year, he entered the race off back-to-back stakes victories.
In the other eight Claiming Crown races:
- Patrick Marcondes' Tormenta de Oro will try to defend her title in the $110,000 Glass Slipper, for fillies and mares going one mile, but she'll have to knock off Troy and Maritza Onorato's Mended, who has won nine straight, as well as 2015 Glass Slipper winner Moonshine Promise;
- In the $110,000 Express, at six furlongs on dirt, Carlos Milian's Helloitsme will try for a third win in four starts and enters off a score in a starter stakes on the Maryland Million day card Oct. 21 at Laurel Park;
- The $110,000 Distaff Dash for filly and mare turf sprinters was added this year. Joey Gee Thoroughbreds' Kasuga won a starter allowance race two back at Kentucky Downs and earlier this year missed winning the grade 3 Royal North Stakes by a head;
- In the $110,000 Iron Horse at 1 1/16 miles, last year's winner Chepstow, campaigned by Glab Racing Stable, will attempt to defend his title;
- Turf sprinters will be featured in the $110,000 Canterbury, where last year's winner Super Spender is back, but he has lost eight straight dating back to that win. Speedy Pay Any Price enters off a layoff, but has won three of his past four starts and his one loss in that stretch was a close second to Richard's Boy, who then ran second in this year's Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1T);
- The other defending Claiming Crown winner back this year is Michelle and Albert Crawford's Shaft of Light in the $110,000 Rapid Transit for 3-year-olds and older at seven furlongs on the dirt. Shaft of Light has won half of his eight Gulfstream Park starts;
- In the $125,000 Tiara for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles on the turf, Vince Campanella and Nation's Racing Stable's Martini Glass returns to the turf after running second in the Juddmonte Spinster Stakes (G1) Oct. 9 on the dirt at Keeneland. Martini Glass has a 1-0-1 record from five turf starts. She'll face Kevin Attard and Soli Mehta's Starship Jubilee, who owns two grade 2 wins on turf this season;
- In the $125,000 Emerald at 1 1/16 miles for 3-year-olds and older on the turf, Michelle and Albert Crawford's Sinatra will try to extend his win streak to five, a stretch that started with a clear victory in a $16,000 claiming race March 18 on the Gulfstream turf;
The Claiming Crown races are presented through a partnership of the National and Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, and Gulfstream.
Gulfstream Park, Saturday, December 02, 2017, Race 2Entries: Claiming Crown Glass Slipper S.
PP
Horse
Jockey
Wgt
Trainer
M/L
1
1Babie Monster (FL)
Daniel Centeno
120
Joseph Arboritanza
30/1
2
2Untrue (FL)
Miguel Angel Vasquez
118
David C. Kassen
20/1
3
3Star Eighty (MD)
Sheldon Russell
118
Jonathan Maldonado
10/1
4
4Falina's Song (FL)
Danush Sukie
118
Andy P. Williams
50/1
5
5Ventina (KY)
Aby Medina
120
Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
6/1
6
6Mended (KY)
Ricardo Gonzalez
124
John F. Martin
2/1
7
7Delusional K K (LA)
Corey J. Lanerie
122
Michael J. Maker
9/2
8
8Northern Screamer (KY)
Tyler Gaffalione
122
George Leonard, III
15/1
9
9Moonshine Promise (KY)
Paco Lopez
124
Peter R. Walder
15/1
10
10Amaluna (FL)
Pedro Monterrey, Jr.
120
Aubrey A. Maragh
12/1
11
11Battle Tale (KY)
Horacio Karamanos
118
Jorge Navarro
10/1
12
12Tormenta de Oro (FL)
Jorge Ruiz
118
Patrick K. Marcondes
30/1
13
13Arella Princess (KY)
Emisael Jaramillo
118
Gerald Procino
30/1
14
14Sugar Cube (KY)
James Graham
122
Rick Hiles
15/1
Gulfstream Park, Saturday, December 02, 2017, Race 4Entries: Claiming Crown Express S.
PP
Horse
Jockey
Wgt
Trainer
M/L
1
1Harryhee (FL)
Luca Panici
122
Ralph E. Nicks
10/1
2
2Blings Express (FL)
Emisael Jaramillo
122
Ralph Ziadie
7/2
3
3Helloitsme (MD)
Edwin Rivera
124
Carlos J. Milian
20/1
4
4Mr Manning (IN)
Fernando De La Cruz
124
Barbara I. McBride
8/1
5
5Ship Disturber (KY)
Corey J. Lanerie
122
Charles L. Dickey
20/1
6
6The Son Wind (KY)
Jesus M. Rios
122
Ruben Gracida
30/1
7
7Electrifying (KY)
Tyler Gaffalione
124
Michael J. Maker
20/1
8
8Great Lou (KY)
Paco Lopez
124
Jorge Navarro
5/2
9
9Pachanga Party (FL)
Aby Medina
118
Juan D. Arias
30/1
10
10Starship Apollo (FL)
Leonel Reyes
118
Juan Carlos Perez Abarrio
20/1
11
11Express Jet (FL)
Miguel Angel Vasquez
122
Bernardo Campos
15/1
12
12First Growth (KY)
Gerardo Corrales
122
Odin J. Londono, Jr.
9/2
13
13Donegal Hall (FL)
Marcos Meneses
120
Oscar M. Gonzalez
30/1
14
14Doodle Hopper (KY)
Daniel Centeno
122
John Rigattieri
20/1
15
15Paden (KY)
Julien R. Leparoux
120
Michael J. Maker
15/1
16
16Kokomo Wildcat (FL)
Paco Lopez
118
Marcial Navarro
20/1
Gulfstream Park, Saturday, December 02, 2017, Race 5Entries: Claiming Crown Distaff Dash S.
PP
Horse
Jockey
Wgt
Trainer
M/L
1
1Blue Bahia (FL)
Paco Lopez
122
Jason Servis
7/2
2
2My Sweet Dove (FL)
Edgard J. Zayas
122
Ralph Ziadie
9/2
3
3Imnaha (MD)
Jesus M. Rios
120
Joseph C. Catanese, III
20/1
4
4Heart Astray (FL)
Miguel Angel Vasquez
118
Joseph F. Orseno
20/1
5
5Eila (FL)
Tyler Gaffalione
120
Ralph E. Nicks
10/1
6
6Mojo's Queen (FL)
Luca Panici
118
Ralph E. Nicks
20/1
7
7Kasuga (ON)
Julien R. Leparoux
120
William I. Mott
5/2
8
8World Gone Wright (NJ)
Nicky Figueroa
118
Juan Andres Rodriguez
30/1
9
9In Mid Heir (FL)
Nik Juarez
120
Jason Servis
20/1
10
10Ring Knocker (VA)
Corey J. Lanerie
124
Michael J. Maker
12/1
11
11Island Reward (KY)
Albin Jimenez
122
Yvon Belsoeur
8/1
12
12Shakakan (FL)
Emisael Jaramillo
120
Ralph E. Nicks
20/1
13
13My Sister Caro (WV)
Horacio Karamanos
122
Clyde W. Martin
15/1
Gulfstream Park, Saturday, December 02, 2017, Race 6Entries: Claiming Crown Iron Horse S.
PP
Horse
Jockey
Wgt
Trainer
M/L
1
1Lieutenant Seany O (KY)
C.J. McMahon
122
Angel O. Montano, Sr.
4/1
2
2Cheech Thunder (KY)
Jesus M. Rios
120
Antonio Sano
20/1
3
3Solve (KY)
Paco Lopez
124
Charles L. Dickey
15/1
4
4Goodtimehadbyall (KY)
Marcos Meneses
122
Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
20/1
5
5Social Stranger (KY)
Antonio A. Gallardo
122
Keith Nations
15/1
6
6Bama Bound (FL)
Miguel Angel Vasquez
118
Marcial Navarro
20/1
7
7Powerstretcher (IN)
Chris Landeros
122
Liane P. Davis
30/1
8
8Rich Daddy (KY)
Corey J. Lanerie
124
Eddie Kenneally
3/1
9
9Twocubanbrothersu (KY)
Daniel Centeno
124
John Rigattieri
5/1
10
10Jaiden's Best (FL)
Rigo Sarmiento
122
Bernardo G. Lopez
12/1
11
11Chiseled (FL)
Juan C. Diaz
124
Peter R. Walder
15/1
12
12Chepstow (ON)
Luis A. Castillo
122
Ralph Ziadie
15/1
13
13Fourth of July (KY)
Tyler Gaffalione
122
Michael J. Maker
12/1
14
14Mal Guapo (KY)
Edgard J. Zayas
122
Oscar M. Gonzalez
8/1
15
15Enders Cat (KY)
Jose A. Batista
124
Armando De la cerda
12/1
16
16Russian Greek (KY)
Emisael Jaramillo
120
Jorge Navarro
15/1
Gulfstream Park, Saturday, December 02, 2017, Race 7Entries: Claiming Crown Canterbury S.
PP
Horse
Jockey
Wgt
Trainer
M/L
1
1Oak Bluffs (NJ)
Paco Lopez
120
Mary E. Eppler
20/1
2
2Shadow Rock (KY)
Corey J. Lanerie
122
Charles L. Dickey
10/1
3
3Pay Any Price (FL)
Edgard J. Zayas
122
Ralph Ziadie
7/5
4
4Padilla (FL)
Miguel Angel Vasquez
118
Aubrey A. Maragh
20/1
5
5Our Independence (FL)
Horacio Karamanos
122
Mary E. Eppler
12/1
6
6Chestnut Johnny (OK)
Jose Lezcano
124
Kevin Attard
30/1
7
7Uncle Leo (KY)
Leonel Reyes
120
Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
20/1
8
8Billy the Bull (NY)
Carlos Montalvo
118
Mary E. Eppler
12/1
9
9Black Tavish (KY)
Chris Landeros
124
Matt A. Shirer
15/1
10
10Sir Navigator (KY)
Julien R. Leparoux
124
Michael J. Maker
5/1
11
11Diddley (KY)
Emisael Jaramillo
118
Oscar M. Gonzalez
20/1
12
12American Sailor (KY)
Nik Juarez
124
Joseph Arboritanza
20/1
13
13Super Spender (KY)
Tyler Gaffalione
118
Jane Cibelli
6/1
14
14Ima Wildcat (FL)
Roberto Alvarado, Jr.
120
Jorge Navarro
12/1
15
15Cliffed (FL)
Jairo H. Hernandez
122
Leon Minott
20/1
16
16Our Boss (FL)
Richard Mitchell
116
Clifton A. Christie
50/1
Gulfstream Park, Saturday, December 02, 2017, Race 8Entries: Claiming Crown Rapid Transit S.
PP
Horse
Jockey
Wgt
Trainer
M/L
1
1Thanks God (FL)
Leonel Reyes
120
Nick J. Mastronardi, Jr.
50/1
2
2Sandro (KY)
Gerardo Corrales
122
Odin J. Londono, Jr.
30/1
3
3Whyruawesome (KY)
Chris Landeros
118
Conor Murphy
20/1
4
4Shaft of Light (ON)
Tyler Gaffalione
122
Jorge Navarro
5/2
5
5Cautious Giant (KY)
Emisael Jaramillo
120
Victor Barboza, Jr.
12/1
6
6Crocodile Charlie (FL)
Edgard J. Zayas
120
Rohan Crichton
15/1
7
7Manhattan Mischief (KY)
Corey J. Lanerie
120
Matt Kordenbrock
9/2
8
8Double Whammy (KY)
Horacio Karamanos
120
Mary E. Eppler
30/1
9
9Aztec Sense (KY)
Paco Lopez
120
Jorge Navarro
7/2
10
10Chatiment (KY)
Juan C. Diaz
122
Cecil Paul
30/1
11
11Dark Arden (KY)
Fernando De La Cruz
122
Tim Glyshaw
6/1
12
12Coxswain (LA)
Jose A. Batista
120
Rohan Crichton
20/1
13
13Rhythm Park (KY)
Julien R. Leparoux
118
Michael J. Maker
8/1
14
14Crazy Frank C (KY)
Danush Sukie
118
Marcelo Cuito
50/1
15
15Griff (KY)
Roberto Alvarado, Jr.
118
Timothy A. Hills
15/1
16
16Full of Mine (NY)
Luis R. Reyes
118
Naipaul Chatterpaul
50/1
Gulfstream Park, Saturday, December 02, 2017, Race 9Entries: Claiming Crown Tiara S.
PP
Horse
Jockey
Wgt
Trainer
M/L
1
1Temple Fur (KY)
Horacio Karamanos
120
Jessica J. Campitelli
20/1
2
2Dynatail (KY)
Daniel Centeno
122
Michael Dini
20/1
3
3Valedictorian (NJ)
Nik Juarez
122
Kelly J. Breen
15/1
4
4Martini Glass (KY)
Paco Lopez
120
Keith Nations
5/1
5
5Peru (GB)
Julien R. Leparoux
120
Michael J. Maker
8/1
6
6Arthemisa (KY)
Jose A. Batista
122
Oscar M. Gonzalez
15/1
7
7Judy's Chance (NJ)
Albin Jimenez
122
Derek S. Ryan
20/1
8
8Vendita (KY)
Ivaldo Santana
122
Patrick L. Biancone
20/1
9
9Starship Jubilee (FL)
Jose Lezcano
124
Kevin Attard
8/5
10
10Flattermefabulous (NY)
Edgard J. Zayas
120
Barclay Tagg
20/1
11
11Quebec (KY)
Corey J. Lanerie
118
Bobby S. Dibona
8/1
12
12Gianna's Dream (OK)
Tyler Gaffalione
124
Michael J. Maker
9/2
Gulfstream Park, Saturday, December 02, 2017, Race 10Entries: Claiming Crown Emerald S.
PP
Horse
Jockey
Wgt
Trainer
M/L
1
1Spring Up (FL)
Miguel Angel Vasquez
122
Larry Rivelli
6/1
2
2Special Ops (KY)
Julien R. Leparoux
122
Michael J. Maker
6/1
3
3Zambian (KY)
Albin Jimenez
122
Darrin Miller
12/1
4
4Black Tide (NY)
Jose Lezcano
124
David A. Cannizzo
4/1
5
5Royal Blessing (NY)
Chris Landeros
118
Brendan P. Walsh
20/1
6
6Cammack (IL)
Corey J. Lanerie
122
Chris M. Block
5/1
7
7Sinatra (KY)
Nik Juarez
118
Jorge Navarro
10/1
8
8Bingo Kitten (KY)
Tyler Gaffalione
120
Michael J. Maker
12/1
9
9D'craziness (FL)
Emisael Jaramillo
120
Barry N. Croft
15/1
10
10Kaitain (MD)
Sheldon Russell
118
Jonathan Maldonado
30/1
11
11Eminent Force (ON)
Gary Boulanger
124
Dale A. Desruisseaux
8/1
12
12Laythatpistoldown (IL)
Luca Panici
120
Jorge Navarro
15/1
13
13Durocher (TX)
Edgard J. Zayas
120
Harry Benson
20/1
14
14Neoclassic (KY)
Paco Lopez
118
Michael J. Maker
15/1
15
15Songeur (KY)
Edgard J. Zayas
120
Todd A. Pletcher
15/1
16
16Barney Rebel (IRE)
Horacio Karamanos
118
Mary E. Eppler
30/1
Gulfstream Park, Saturday, December 02, 2017, Race 11Entries: Claiming Crown Jewel S.
PP
Horse
Jockey
Wgt
Trainer
M/L
1
1Chunnel (NJ)
Nik Juarez
124
Jorge Navarro
6/1
2
2Turco Bravo (CHI)
Jose Lezcano
118
David A. Cannizzo
8/1
3
3Clubman (MD)
Sheldon Russell
120
Jonathan Maldonado
20/1
4
4Diamond Bachelor (KY)
Lane J. Luzzi
118
Patrick L. Biancone
30/1
5
5Dreaming of Gold (FL)
Emisael Jaramillo
120
Victor Barboza, Jr.
15/1
6
6Gigantic Breeze (ON)
Gary Boulanger
124
Alexander F. McPherson
4/1
7
7Capital Letters (KY)
Corey J. Lanerie
120
Michael J. Maker
10/1
8
8Fearless Dragon (KY)
Aby Medina
120
Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
20/1
9
9Jay's Way (FL)
Chris Landeros
122
Armando De la cerda
5/1
10
10Dream Saturday (KY)
Juan C. Diaz
118
Peter R. Walder
10/1
11
11Indian Guide (ON)
Jose A. Batista
118
Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
15/1
12
12Flashy Jewel (KY)
Tyler Gaffalione
122
Michael J. Maker
8/1
13
13Flowers for Lisa (KY)
Paco Lopez
122
Jorge Navarro
10/1