Bye, Bye Bertie

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Jerry Bailey made two cross-country flights this weekend, but he didn't have an easier trip than he did at home on Saturday, when he guided Allamerican Bertie to an overpowering 5 1/4-length victory in the Grade 3, $100,000 at Gulfstream Park.

Bailey flew to California on Friday to ride Empire Maker that afternoon in the Sham Stakes at Santa Anita. He returned to Florida on the Friday-night red-eye, then was to fly back to California on Sunday morning to ride Composure in the Las Virgenes Stakes.

Bailey is based in south Florida during the winter. He came back to Gulfstream in order to ride Allamerican Bertie, who went off as the favorite against 10 rivals. Allamerican Bertie ($4.20) was hassled early by Small Promises, but a quarter-mile into the race Allamerican Bertie took over, and she never looked back.

Allamerican Bertie clicked off fractions of 23.16 seconds, 46.75, 1:11.38, and 1:36.20 en route to a final time of 1:42.49 for 1 1/16 miles on the fast main track. Small Promises held on bravely for second, a head in front of Redoubled Miss.

"She was aggressive until she cleared the other horse," Bailey said, "then she relaxed and had plenty to come home with."

Bailey never hit Allamerican Bertie with the whip.

The win was the seventh in 13 starts for Allamerican Bertie, who is owned by Bert, Elaine, and Richard Klein.

The 4-year-old Allamerican Bertie finished last on the Gulfstream turf in the Honey Fox Handicap on Jan. 5, her first start since defeating Take Charge Lady in the Falls City Handicap at Churchill Downs. Allamerican Bertie's trainer, Steve Flint, said he wouldn't run her on turf again.

"I've learned my lesson," Flint said. "Jerry said that was like an afternoon breeze. I'm glad he came back to ride her. We couldn't have drawn it up on paper any better."

Flint said Allamerican Bertie would race once more at Gulfstream, in the Grade 2, $200,000 Rampart Handicap at 1 1/8 miles on March 1. Flint said March 1 is the 50th wedding anniversary of Bert and Elaine Klein. "Then I'm going to put her away and wait for the summer," Flint said.