Gulfstream: Nevada Kid gives Zito first Claiming Crown win in Jewel

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Nick Zito has never been known as a claiming trainer, but the two-time Kentucky Derby winner became king of the claimers for at least one day after sending out Nevada Kid to capture the $200,000 Jewel, feature event on Saturday’s $1 million Claiming Crown program at Gulfstream Park.

Nevada Kid, ridden by Luis Saez, took advantage of his inside post to set all the pace in the 1 1/8-mile Jewel and then edged away late from Dominant Jeannes and Flatter This to register a 2 1/4- length decision despite drifting steadily through the final furlong. Dominant Jeannes and Flatter This had also finished 2-3 behind Parents Honor in the 2012 Jewel.

The win was the first in the 15-year history of the Claiming Crown for Zito, who had started just one horse in the series, Tuvia’s Force in 2012, prior to Saturday. Zito ran three horses on Saturday’s program, including Sinorice, who finished eighth in the Jewel.

Nevada Kid ($12.80), owned by Hurricane Boys and Richard Pell, posted his second win of the season with the $120,000 winner’s share of the Jewel purse more than doubling his 2012 earnings. .

“He likes to run that way, on the lead, and the fence looks pretty good here right now,” said Zito. “I also like when they let them drift because they change leads and get into that second gear. They catch their breath. I love that. [Eddie] Belmonte used to do that, but I’m outdating myself. I’m going back to when I was 18.”

Major Marvel prevails in Emerald

Major Marvel was narrowly defeated by Nikki’s Sandcastle in the 2012 Claiming Crown Emerald. But he found no such obstacle in his path on Saturday, edging away late from longshot North Star Boy to register a 1 1/2-length victory in the $125,000 Emerald, his eighth victory in nine starts this season.

Major Marvel benefitted from a perfect stalking trip under jockey Julien Leparoux, battling back after being joined by North Star Boy in early stretch before proving clearly best as the 8-5 favorite in a full field of 14 colts and geldings. Best Actor rallied mildly to finish third.

Major Marvel gave Ken and Sarah Ramsey, the all-time leading Claiming Crown owners, their second victory on the card and the first of the day for trainer Mike Maker. The Ramseys and Maker teamed up to win four races on last year’s Claiming Crown program.

Deanaallen'skitten delivers for Ramseys in Tiara

Deanaallen’skitten gave the Ramseys their first win of the day when circling the field into the stretch before withstanding a final surge from Rock On Baby to register a three-quarter-length decision in the $125,000 Tiara. Rock On Baby rallied from last to finish second, nearly three lengths in front of the pacesetting Brandy’s Secret, who tired to be third.

Deannaallen’skitten ($3.80) was ridden to victory by Javier Castellano.

Point Finish much the best in Iron Horse

Midwest shipper Point Finish had little trouble adapting to his new surroundings at Gulfstream Park, or handling his 13 rivals in the $110,000 Iron Horse, easily pulling away to a decisive four-length victory over Francois under leading rider Paco Lopez.

Point Finish ($9.60), a son of Point Given trained by George Leonard III, stalked the pace of the tepid 3-1 favorite Whatthecatdrugin, readily drew clear in early stretch, and increased his advantage while ridden out to the wire. Francois was easily second best, followed by Toh’s Grey Cat and the tiring Whatthecatdrugin.