Classic Rock stands out in Jeblar Stakes

Classic Rock has the look of an up-and-coming sprinter, and on Sunday at Gulfstream Park he will be a strong favorite to win his third straight race in the $75,000 Jeblar.

The Jeblar, for 3-year-olds and up, is a 6 1/2-furlong overnight stakes. The field of six includes Early Entry, the winner of the $100,000 Sunshine Millions Sprint in 2017, who makes his first start in a year, and Cautious Giant, who was just edged by Delta Bluesman in the Rail Splitter in February at Gulfstream.

Classic Rock boasts a 5-for-9 record, with all of his wins coming at Gulfstream. He became a stakes winner in his last start, when he won the Grade 3 Gulfstream Park Sprint by two lengths on March 3.

“We definitely have a plan for the rest of the year, but we’re still going to take it race by race,” said Kathy Ritvo, who trains Classic Rock for Reeves Thoroughbred Racing. “It’s best to let the horse do the talking.”

KEY CONTENDERS

Classic Rock, by Maclean’s Music
Last 3 Beyers: 95-94-74

◗ He began his streak in December, when he defeated older rivals in an optional $62,500 sprint Dec. 20 at Gulfstream. He led throughout for a 2 1/2-length win, covering the six furlongs in 1:09.

“He’s improving every race,” Ritvo said. “He’s very intelligent. He loves racing. He loves training. He loves what he does. He’s a smart horse. He takes care of himself.”

◗ Classic Rock will break from post 2 under Luis Saez, who was to ride Magnum Moon in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. Classic Rock has won from both on and just off the pace, and strategy will be left to Saez, said Ritvo.

“Luis is a superstar,” Ritvo said. “I’ve had confidence in him from the early days, from the beginning.”

Cautious Giant, by Giant’s Causeway
Last 3 Beyers: 87-94-89

◗ He rallied for third last out in an optional $62,500 claiming race over six furlongs April 20 at Gulfstream. The race was his first in two months, since he finished second by a head in the Feb. 17 Rail Splitter.

◗ Emisael Jaramillo has the mount from post 4.

Early Entry, by Keyed Entry
Last 3 Beyers: 68-89-98

◗ He is making his first start since April 2017, when he ran fifth in the $100,000 Sprint Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs.