Gulfstream: Albertrani finally gets a photo that goes his way

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Trainer Tom Albertrani was back in balmy south Florida at the Palm Meadows training center on Tuesday morning, still thawing out from his trip to Kentucky and still revelling in Brilliant Speed’s narrowest of victories in the Blue Grass Stakes.

“From my vantage point in the grandstand, at first I thought we’d run one-two,’’ said Albertrani referring to Brilliant Speed and his King Congie, who finished a close third in the Blue Grass. “Then after watching the replays a couple of times before they put the numbers up I thought we’d gotten beat. I didn’t really sweat out the photo because not only was it freezing up there but I had no sweat left in me after losing seven photos this winter at Gulfstream Park.”

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Brilliant Speed’s nose victory was certainly sweet justice for Albertrani, who suffered through a frustrating winter at Gulfstream Park that included more than any man’s share of tough beats during a single meet. None was tougher than when King Congie was disqualified from first and placed third for interfering with his own stablemate, Brilliant Speed, in the Hallandale Beach Stakes.

Albertrani said Brilliant Speed would ship to Churchill Downs from Keeneland early next week and will have one work prior to the Kentucky Derby, possibly on Tuesday, May 3. He also confirmed the Joel Rosario, who rode him to victory on Saturday, will again have the mount in the Derby.

Brilliant Speed was given a Beyer Speed Figure of 93 for his Blue Grass victory.

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