Grand Mo the First being pointed to Gun Runner at Kentucky Downs

Grand Mo the First is going green.

He won the Bear’s Den Stakes on turf Saturday at Gulfstream Park in his first start since the Kentucky Derby, and grass racing will be a priority going forward, trainer Victor Barboza Jr. said Tuesday.

“I prefer him on the turf,” Barboza said.

Barboza said he believes it will be best, if possible, to consistently run Grand Mo the First on the single surface. He said the horse is being pointed to the $1 million Gun Runner for 3-year-olds at a mile on the grass Sept. 8 at Kentucky Downs. Grand Mo the First won at the distance Saturday. An alternate race, Barboza said, would be the Grade 3, $175,000 Saranac for 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles on turf Aug. 30 at Saratoga.

“I have further options, but the first plan is to run at Kentucky Downs,” Barboza said. “The distance is perfect – one mile – and the timing is perfect, six weeks. I think it’s the best option right now. For now, we’ll focus on the race.”

Grand Mo the First ran on turf at 2, finishing third in the Grade 3 Zuma Beach at Santa Anita. But he moved to dirt at 3 and after running third in the Swale, Tampa Bay Derby, and Florida Derby advanced to the Kentucky Derby. Grand Mo the First finished 18th in the classic, and Barboza freshened him before the Bear’s Den.

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Grand Mo the First had one horse beat in the early stages Saturday and closed into a fast pace for a neck win. He covered a mile on good turf in 1:33.14 and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 86. It is the second-best number of his career behind an 87 earned in the Florida Derby won by champion Fierceness.

Granpollo Stable owns Grand Mo the First, who is a son of Uncle Mo and out of the Giant’s Causeway mare Lilies So Fair.

Barboza also won the $95,000 Miss Gracie Stakes on grass Saturday at Gulfstream with Majestic Venezuela.

“Both horses returned very well,” he said.

Barboza said plans going forward for Majestic Venezuela are to be determined. He praised the ride jockey Emisael Jaramillo put on the 3-year-old filly, who rallied from off the pace for a 1 1/4-length win.

“For me, Jaramillo is perfect for the filly,” he said.

Jaramillo also rode Grand Mo the First.

The barn’s top older female runner, Beth’s Dream, remains on track for the upcoming Sheer Drama at Gulfstream, Barboza said. She has won all three of her starts this year, including two local overnight handicaps.

Anatomy in competitive feature

Anatomy is one of eight fillies and mares in a competitive eighth race Friday at Gulfstream Park. The first-level allowance will be run over five furlongs on turf and has a claiming option of $25,000.

Anatomy tried turf for the first time last out and while she finished sixth at this level, she was only beaten 1 3/4 lengths. She has reason to move forward having had a race on grass, and the Beyer Speed Figure of 69 she earned stacks up favorably.

Bahamian Moon was second in the race, finishing in front of a few rivals she faces again Friday. For the effort, Bahamian Moon could go favored when she breaks from the rail. She figures to be prominent from post 1.

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Anatomy will benefit if the pace is fast, and there is other speed to stoke the fire.

Bel Rosso looks like an up-and-coming sort. She won a maiden special weight at five furlongs on turf June 6 at Gulfstream in her first sprint start and she is cutting back to the distance Friday.

◗ Gulfstream will put on a pair of stakes for 2-year-olds Saturday, both at six furlongs. The $95,000 Sharp Susan for fillies and the $95,000 Proud Man highlight the 11-race card.

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