Gordy Florida set for Southwest Stakes

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Gordy Florida’s performance in last month’s $150,000 Smarty Jones at Oaklawn Park was one of the gutsiest in the field. He dueled with the Grade 1-placed shipper Toews On Ice and, after shaking off that rival, fought on to finish second by a neck to Discreetness.

The start was Gordy Florida’s first in a stakes and his first around two turns, and he’s on pace to get another shot at those conditions Monday in the Grade 3, $500,000 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn. He is expected to be part of a large field of 12 to 14 horses for the 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds that will be drawn Friday.

“We’ll just have to see how tough it is and go from there,” said Kenny Smith, who trains Gordy Florida for the Dream Walkin’ Farms operation of country music artist Toby Keith. “I think they’ll know we came to run.”

Gordy Florida had won both of his starts leading up to the one-mile Smarty Jones but went off at 21-1. He entered the race following a clear optional-claiming win at 5 1/2 furlongs on Dec. 3 at Remington Park. Prior to that start, Gordy Florida had won a maiden special weight race over six furlongs at the same track Oct. 21.

“I thought that the horse would run long, but you never know until you try them,” said Smith. “I don’t think the mile and a sixteenth will be any problem.”

Smith said one of Gordy Florida’s best assets is his quickness, which was on full display in the Smarty Jones when battling with a Southern California speed horse in Toews On Ice.

“I love his burst of speed, and it looks like to me you can use it at any time,” Smith said. “He’s really quick footed when you ask him. He’s pretty patient now. He’ll relax.”

Smith said Gordy Florida also brings size to the table. He is a son of Cactus Ridge out of the Indian Charlie mare Indianella.

“He’s a pretty big horse,” Smith said. “I think he’s over 16 hands. He’s a pretty heavy horse. I guess I’d put him somewhere around 1,150 pounds. That would be just eyeballing him. He’s a big-boned thing and carries good flesh.”

Glenn Corbett has the mount in the Southwest, said Smith.

Smith, a three-time title winner at Oaklawn, is best known for his work with the millionaire Silver Goblin. The horse’s local wins include the Razorback and Essex handicaps. Other top horses for Smith have included Temperence Time, the winner of the Grade 3 Remington Park Derby.

Smith said Gordy Florida was to have his final work for the Southwest on Thursday. Discreetness put in his final move for the race Wednesday, breezing a half-mile in 50 seconds under regular rider Jon Court. He worked first after the renovation break over a fast track on a sunny morning in the high 30s.