Dover Cliffs wears down Gemologister in Cutler Bay

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Dover Cliffs looks like a horse with a big future in the 3-year-old turf division. He stepped right out of the maiden ranks to become a stakes winner with a victory in the $100,000 Cutler Bay over the 80-1 Gemologister on Saturday at Gulfstream Park.

The win was the second on the card for trainer Christophe Clement, who sent Celestine out to victory earlier in the day in the Grade 3 Honey Fox.

Dover Cliffs sat a perfect trip under jockey Jose Ortiz, rating within easy striking distance of pacesetter Gemologister, who entered the race winless after 18 starts. Dover Cliffs rallied wide into the stretch before gradually wearing down the leader to win going away.

Gemologister, making his 10th start of the meet, repulsed a bid from the graded stakes-placed Shiraz entering the stretch, but ultimately proved no match for the winner at the end. Shiraz finished another length farther back in third.

Dover Cliffs, a homebred son of English Channel owned by Robert Evans and making just his third start, returned $4.40.

“I thought he ran very well,” Clement said. “He was a very good maiden winner. He trained well, looks well, I thought he would be competitive. A great ride again by Jose. Life is good.”

Clement said Dover Cliffs was a little immature as a 2-year-old, which was why he did not launch his career until a week into his 3-year-old season.

“He came to us late in the summer and we gave him plenty of time,” Clement said. “We’ll enjoy this one then come up with a plan. I’m sure Mr. Evans will come up with a plan before me, but that’s okay.”