01/19/2013 6:29PM

Gulfstream Park: Teaks North gets first win for Dutrow's deputy in Sunshine Millions Turf

By Jay Privman
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Barbara D. Livingston
Teaks North, the first starter for Michelle Nevin, former assistant to suspended trainer Richard Dutrow Jr., scores a front-running upset under John Velazquez in the Sunshine Millions Turf.

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – After what she described as a “rough week,” Michelle Nevin finally was able to smile on Saturday at Gulfstream Park when she sent out Teaks North for a front-running, upset victory in the $150,000 Sunshine Millions Turf.

Nevin was a long-time assistant to Richard Dutrow Jr., who was suspended on Thursday for 10 years by New York state racing officials. Dutrow was the trainer of Teaks North at the beginning of the week, but with his suspension looming, Nevin passed her trainer’s test in Florida the middle of the week and then took over the training of the 6-year-old gelding. Teaks North was her first starter.

“It’s been a rough week, but this is a great reward to get,” Nevin said.

Teaks North ($19.80) benefited from an absence of pace and led the field from start to finish over a yielding course in the 1 1/8-mile race. Jockey John Velazquez was able to coax Teaks North through fractions of 25.68 seconds, 52.09, 1:16.76, and 1:40.83 en route to a final time of 1:52.89. With a final three furlongs in 36.13 seconds, closers had no shot of catching him.

Teaks North won by 2 1/2 lengths over 1-2 favorite Doubles Partner, with Shkspeare Shaliyah 2 1/4 lengths farther back in third.

“I’m just overwhelmed,” Nevin said in the winner’s circle. “I’m so happy. I love this horse. It was a long road coming back.”

Teaks North was off for nearly 11 months before fading in the El Prado at Gulfstream on Dec. 22.

“With these older horses, it’s tough to bring them back fit,” Nevin said. “He was tighter today. He got the cobwebs out.”

Teaks North, owned by Resolute Group Stables, has now won 8 of  23 starts. An earner of more than $1 million, his biggest victory came in the 2011 United Nations Handicap when trained by Justin Sallusto.

Ray Murray 10 months ago
Because she took the instruction and made it happen ....she is a doer...
Jerry Sabo 10 months ago
I'm happy for the horse but why is everybody congratulating Michele Nevin? Dutrow called the shots even after Thursday.
Terri Zeitz 10 months ago
Wonderful win for Michele Nevin. She's done a great job. WTG Michele
Geral John Pinault 10 months ago
People forget that Teaks North also won a GRI on the turf at The Gulf a couple of years ago. He had physical issues that have improved. He was on the muscle saturday with his head held high while running on impresively!!!
Mary Raymond 10 months ago
I agree. Wearing front wraps would suggest to me that he has ankle issues so the soft turf was probably a major factor. Second run in twelve months, very impressive. Very nice training job to have him fit enough........... Bert D
Ray Murray 10 months ago
the trainer did a nice job getting this horse ready for the race it is that simple.... who are you to judge Miss Nevin character... sounds like you misread the form or didnt get to the window in time.
Mary Raymond 10 months ago
Ray, why do we even respond to an idiot like this. Mr. Flynn has nothing to add that's constructive to any of these posts. So shame on us -maybe- for being so silly. Ignore him & he might go away...........Bert D
Ray Murray 10 months ago
the trainer did a nice job getting this horse ready for the race it is that simple.... there is a fine line between confidence and cockiness. who are you to judge Miss Nevin character... sounds like you misread the form or didnt get to the window in time.
John Flynn 10 months ago
This horse is owned in part by the Big Brown syndicate. Michelle has what it takes - In More Ways Than One!!! I saw her in the Winners Circle - today - She Has No Shame & is Very Brazen!!! This is her first win out of the box. I'm sure when she goes back to NY - they will either Raid Her Barn or Put her Horses in the Detention Barn. I Only Have Contempt for these Violators of the Industry.
Chris Tobin 10 months ago
O'did you lose your $2.
Ray Murray 10 months ago
I guess he bet the chalk and lost ....
Mary Raymond 10 months ago
Why doesn't a post like this surprise me??? Go back to the tree hugging.........Bert D
neigh sayer 10 months ago
Very interesting use of capitalization John. When you say "she Has No Shame & is Very Brazen!!!", do you mean that those are two other horses in her barn she is training? And if not, I'm curious as to what she did or what gave you the indication that she has no shame and is very brazen? An example? Are the other horses waiting for her in NY named, "Raid Her Barn", "Detention Barn", "Put her Horses", and "Only Have Contempt", and last but not least, "Violators of the Industry"?
Mary Raymond 10 months ago
Thanks neigh sayer. Got a good giggle from your post. They sound like horses that would be better suited to a wet track. Must enter them in my virtual stable.......Bert D
Ray Murray 10 months ago
I second that .......great job and many happy returns to the winners circle !!!
JockeyAgent Lou 10 months ago
Awfully quiet here now, I'd like to congratulate Miss Nevin on such a great job and win. I hope to see many many more !
Mary Raymond 10 months ago
And so say all of us. Well done Michelle...................Bert D
Ray Murray 10 months ago
Maybe , just maybe Dutrow had this horse ready .... PeterG sing another song ...maybe you can just copy and past some of you other Dutrow post ...write something intelligent ....