Bronson takes English Channel, gives Pletcher turf stakes sweep

Bronson’s win in the $75,000 English Channel gave owner Mathis Stable LLC and trainer Todd Pletcher a sweep of the two turf stakes for 3-year-olds at Gulfstream Park on Saturday.

Bronson paid $3.80 as the prohibitive favorite in the 1 1/16-miles race. Adorable Miss, making just her second start, paid $10.40 in the Honey Ryder.

Bronson had a perfect trip with Edgard Zayas riding. He saved ground going around the first turn and was sitting in a stalking position while General McGooby was being pressured through a quick half-mile in 46.72 seconds.

Zayas gave him his cue just past the three-eighths pole and he responded with a strong move from along the rail. He moved to outside of General McGoodby approaching the top of the stretch, collared the leader at the eighth pole and drew clear to win by 1 1/2 lengths. General McGooby held on to finish a neck in front of Lunaire, who rallied to finish third.

The final time was 1:41.28 over firm turf.

It was the first stakes win for the son of Medaglia d’Oro who was bred in Kentucky by Ran Jan Racing Inc.