Gufo sharp in English Channel score; Micheline upsets Honey Ryder

Gufo unleashed an eye-catching turn of foot in the stretch and he ran by Proven Strategies to win Saturday’s $75,000 English Channel Stakes by 1 1/2 lengths at Gulfstream Park.

Proven Strategies, part of a solid early pace, finished second by 1 1/2 lengths over Summer to Remember. Island Commish was fourth, followed by Justinthenickotime and Fame to Famous - who dead-heated for fifth - South Bend, Ever Dangerous, Express Pharoah, Don Juan Kitten, and Doc Boy.

The win was the third straight for Gufo, a son of Declaration of War owned by Otter Bend Stables and trained by Christophe Clement.

Irad Ortiz Jr. rode Gufo, one of three wins on the card for the reigning two-time Eclipse Award winning jockey, who one race earlier won the $100,000 Big Drama Stakes aboard Network Effect.

Gufo was last of 11 after the first quarter, 7 1/2 lengths behind Justinthenickotime, who was pressed by Island Commish and Proven Strategies.

Gufo saved all the ground while Proven Strategies, under Dylan Davis, took the lead after an opening half-mile in 47.01 seconds.

:: To stay up to date, follow us on: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Ortiz had Gufo just behind a wall of horses coming to the top of the lane but needed to find running room. Ortiz guided Gufo to the outside turning for home and while Proven Strategies was fending off Island Commish, Gufo motored past them both to win going away.

Gufo, who gave Clement his 2,000th career victory on March 27, ended a zero for 27 skid for Clement. Gufo covered the 1 1/16 miles over firm turf in 1:39.70 and returned $6.40 as the favorite.

“I thought he showed a great turn of foot,” Clement said. “With the early pace I thought he would have a chance and he could come out. I’m thrilled. It’s all good. My son [Miguel] was always involved with that horse, he always believed in him, I got to give him credit.”

Gufo and Decorated Invader give Clement two top 3-year-old turf horses.

Micheline upsets Honey Ryder

Micheline, benefitting from a great trip under Joe Bravo, was a solid 2 1/4-length winner over favored Highland Glory in the $75,000 Honey Ryder Stakes for 3-year-old fillies.

Saving ground while in eighth about six lengths off the early lead, Micheline was tipped out four wide approaching the top of the stretch. Evoutante, who set the pace under Dylan Davis, was still in front in upper stretch, but Micheline sailed right on by while Highland Glory ran into a little traffic and didn’t change leads until late.

Highland Glory finished second by a nose over Stunning Sky. She was followed, in order, by Envoutante, Mimina’s Team, Astoria Kitten, Diamonds Are A, Onyx, La Rusia, Seducer, Bajan Girl, and Ivyetsu.

Micheline, a daughter of Bernardini out of the Grade 1-winning mare Panty Raid, won for the third time from eight starts. She was also second in the Grade 3 Sweetest Chant Stakes at Gulfstream two back.

Saturday, Micheline covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:41.10 over firm turf and returned $37.40.

"Bravo gave her a great ride, saved ground, switched out turning for home, she kicked in and put in the run, the same run she put in last time she ran at Gulfstream,” said trainer Michael Stidham, who trains Micheline for Godolphin Racing.

Stidham said Micheline has been a project for him and his staff. She won’t stay in a stall in the barn so Godolphin built an outdoor stall for her at Tampa Bay Downs where she has spent all winter. She will have an outdoor stall at Fair Hill, a training center in Maryland, where she will likely ship to later in May or in early June.

“She’s been a project but a fun and worthwhile project,” Stidham said.