Gulfstream: Cape Hope wins again

Cape Hope remained perfect on grass Saturday, when she received a perfect trip under Jose Santos to capture the Grade 3, $100,000 at Gulfstream Park.

Always close to a relaxed pace that left eight 3-year-old fillies bunched together through the opening six furlongs, Cape Hope took the lead from Royal Bean turning for home, then finished three-quarters of a length ahead of late-running Dynamite Lass. The winner returned $5 as the favorite after finishing 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.28 over a firm turf.

Trained by Dallas Stewart, Cape Hope has now won all four starts on grass after starting her career last fall with two defeats on dirt.

Royal Bean led through fractions of 25.07, 49.98, and 1:13.85, with Cape Hope poised to strike at any moment. Paddy's Daisy and Cape Hope moved past the pacesetter at the quarter pole, and after Cape Hope pulled clear, Dynamite Lass came with a threatening run that fell short.

Dynamite Lass, who also ran second to Cape Hope last out in the Feb. 20 Gaily Gaily Stakes at Gulfstream, encountered traffic trouble and ran very well to finish two lengths ahead of third-place finisher Dansetta Light.