Classic Rock returns a winner

Classic Rock returned from a 5 1/2-month layoff to capture Wednesday’s $51,000 optional-claiming feature at Gulfstream Park, setting the pace before pulling away to an impressive victory under leading rider Luis Saez. The win was the fourth in eight career starts for the son of Maclean’s Music, who is trained by Kathy Ritvo for owners Dean and Patti Reeves.

Classic Rock, winner of the Roar Stakes here in April, ran without blinkers for the first time since his 2-year-old debut.

“With these 3-year-olds you have to pick a spot to give them some time off, and we decided back in July to go ahead and get him ready for his 4-year-old season, get a race in him right before he turns 4, and this turned out to be a real good setup,” said Dean Reeves. “Kathy did a great job bringing him back, getting the timing right, and she had him spot on for this race.”