Gulfstream: Jackson Bend expected in Hal’s Hope

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Jackson Bend, who finished third as the 5-2 favorite in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, and defending champion Soaring Empire are expected to head a field of six to eight older horses lining up for next Saturday’s Grade 3 Hal’s Hope at Gulfstream Park. Among the others who could compete in the one-mile Hal’s Hope are Bold Warrior, Will’s Wildcat, Anak Nakal, Cool Blue Red Hot, Manicero, and Decisive Moment according to the track's racing secretary, Dan Bork.

The Hal’s Hope shares top billing on the Jan. 14 card with the Grade 3 Ft. Lauderdale scheduled to be run at 1 1/16 miles on the turf. Defending champion Little Mike is among the 38 horses nominated to the Ft. Lauderdale. So too is Kindergarten Kid, who sizzled five furlongs in 59.21 seconds over the main track here Thursday.