HALLANDALE BEACH, Florida – Talented Barbadian trainer Saffie Joseph Jr continued his battle for the lead at Gulfstream Park, notching a single winner on Thursday to be tied at the top of the standings in the early stages of the summer meet.
The 33-year-old scored in the US$17 000 race one over a mile and sixteenth, his 4-5 entrant Calentita beating the three-year-old and upward maiden fillies and mares by 1¼ lengths in a time of one minute, 45.15 seconds.
Joseph is currently tied for six wins with Todd Pletcher, with Mark Casse, Antonio Sano and Michael Maker all one back on five wins.
Going off as the near favourite in the opening race on the 10-race card, the four-year-old brown filly Calentita raced off the pace in fifth under Edgard Zayas, as 13-1 choice Pasatime posted easy fractions of 25.53 seconds for the quarter and 49.88 for the half.
Fifty-seven to one longshot Syllabus chased from second while Amber Princess challenged from third and Princesa Crystal kept tabs on the field from fourth.
Zayaz moved Calentita into contention at the half-way stage and as Pasatime and Syllabus faded, took over the lead heading into the stretch.
Joe Bravo brought Laska with a flying late run but Calentita held well at the wire.
The campaign at the southeastern Florida oval runs from April 2 to September 27. (CMC)
