Gladiator King holds on in Roar Stakes, A Bit of Both takes Game Face

Gladiator King dug in gamely to hold off a late charge from Garter and Tie to win Saturday’s $75,000 Roar Stakes for 3-year-olds at Gulfstream Park.

Gladiator King ($13.80) went swiftly to the lead under Leonel Reyes in the seven-furlong Roar, taking the field through an opening quarter-mile in 22.71 seconds and a half in 45.59, pressed by Bronzed. The eventual winner got clear of that rival in upper stretch, but would soon face a challenge from favored Garter and Tie, who closed resolutely and missed by a nose. The final time was 1:23.86.

Cafe Du Monde gained late to get third, while Take Command, Bronzed, and Releasethethunder, who missed the break, completed the order of finish. Jackson and Promo Code were scratched.

The Roar marked the second straight stakes win for the Jamie Mejia-trained Gladiator King, who captured the Grade 3 Hutcheson at Gulfstream in his prior start. The son of Curlin is campaigned by Thoroughbred Champions Training Center and now has five wins from 13 starts for earnings of $216,535.

Earlier on the card, in the $75,000 Game Face Stakes for 3-year-old fillies, 7-10 favorite A Bit of Both drew clear for an easy three-length victory over Karama.

After breaking outward from post 3 under Paco Lopez and bumping Karama at the start, A Bit of Both was pressured by Talkback through an opening quarter-mile in 22.36 seconds. Talkback retreated on the turn, allowing Karama to launch a bid as a half-mile went in 45.19. A Bit of Both turned back the advancing Karama and was ridden out to complete seven furlongs in 1:23.77. She returned $3.40 for a $2 win wager.

A daughter of Paynter, A Bit of Both is trained by Jason Servis and owned in partnership by Michael Dubb, Madaket Stables, Bethlehem Stables, Darsan Inc., and David Simon. Getting Warmer finished third, followed by Talkback and Amy Farah Fowler. Brunette Princess and Warrior Empress were scratched.