Gufo scores in Kent, with a little sweat

Gufo made if four in a row winning the Grade 3, $125,000 Kent Stakes on Saturday at Delaware Park.

It wasn’t easy, though, as the 3-5 shot came under a mild ride from Trevor McCarthy as far as a half-mile from the finish while still racing near the back of a seven-horse field. Gufo cornered into the homestretch wide, the outcome still in doubt, but kicked in just enough to get to the front and then hold clear Pixelate, who was coming back on the winner after being passed at the furlong grounds and quickly galloped out in front.

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The winning margin was a half-length as Gufo ($3.20) ran the fastest 1 1/8-mile time, 1:46.94, ever recorded on the Delaware turf course, which was firm and obviously played fast during the card.

Pixelate finished 2 ½ lengths clear of show horse, Vanzzy, who had pressed Sunsation’s splits of 24.19, 47.49, and 1:11.31.

Christophe Clement trains Gufo (Italian for “owl”) for Otter Bend Stables, and Gufo has been on a roll. Since a strong third-place finish in his career debut he has won a maiden race, a first-level allowance, and the English Channel Stakes, all at Gulfstream, before capturing the Kent. Yet Gufo might not be the top 3-year-old grass course in his barn since Clement also trains the excellent Decorated Invader.

Gufo is by Declaration of War out of Floy, by Petionville, and so far this year, he’s been unbeatable.

McCarthy also wins Christiana

McCarthy also was aboard Trickle In ($9.80) for her one-length win in in the $50,000 Christiana Stakes. Mike Stidham trains Trickle In for C J Thoroughbreds and also sent out favored Embossed to a third-place finish. Trickle In, by Temple City out of Knox County Zip, by City Zip, ran 1 1/16 miles on turf in 1:41.26.