Grande Shores good as ever at 8

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Although the 3-year-olds, most notably Nyquist, stole the show on Saturday’s Florida Derby program, one of the best performances of the day came from the old warrior Grande Shores, who captured the Sir Shackleton Stakes for the 15th victory of his career.

Grande Shores slipped up the rail under a brilliant ride by Edgard Zayas to register a 1 3/4-length victory over Squadron A in the seven-furlong Sir Shackleton. Grande Shores, an 8-year-old son of Black Mambo, continues to be one of the top handicap horses stabled year-round in this area and has come a long way since having raced under an $8,000 claiming tag three years ago at Tampa Bay Downs.

Trained by Stanley Gold throughout his career for breeder Jacks or Better Farm, Grande Shores has earned nearly $590,000 from his 54 starts while having finished in the money 39 times.

In his start before the Sir Shackleton, Grande Shores finished seventh going a mile in the Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Handicap.

“He really was as good last time as on Saturday but just had a wide trip and a wide post,” said Gold. “This time, he got a shot along the inside and took advantage of it. Seven-eighths is really the best distance for him. A mile is okay, but he has more fire in him at the end going seven furlongs, and at six furlongs, sometimes he just can’t catch them because they get away from you, especially at this track.”

Gold said Grande Shores will remain local for the rest of the season, with the Grade 2 Smile Sprint on July 2 his main goal. Grande Shores finished fourth behind Favorite Tale and sprint champion Work All Week in the 2015 Smile.

“He’s staying here and will run in what’s available between now and the Summit of Speed,” said Gold.