Gulfstream Park: Inimitable Romanee proves last marathon win no fluke by taking The Very One

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Trainer Graham Motion had a rough trip trying to get from snowbound Maryland to Gulfstream Park for Saturday’s $100,000 The Very One Stakes. Fortunately, his long-winded turf specialist Inimitable Romanee was able to avoid a similar fate, parlaying a perfect trip into a one-length victory over Aigue Marine in the Grade 3 turf fixture for older fillies and mares.

Inimitable Romanee, a 6-year-old daughter of Maria’s Mon, was making her first start in the 1 3/8-mile The Very One since posting a wire-to-wire, one-length triumph in the 1 1/2-mile Long Island Handicap on Nov. 9. With jockey Alan Garcia aboard, Inimitable Romanee rated within easy striking distance of a relatively slow pace set by Viva Rafaela, who posted early splits of 25.78 seconds, 49.99, and 1:15.50 over a firm course. Inimitable Romanee was sent up to challenge the leader three wide entering the stretch, gained command inside the eighth pole, and then withstood Aigue Marine under late urging.

Aigue Marine saved ground into the stretch, eased out at midstretch, and rallied belatedly to finish second, a neck in front of the tiring Viva Rafaela.

Preferential, the 8-5 favorite, was taken back near the rear of the field after breaking a step slow, came four wide attempting to rally into the stretch but lacked a final response to finish fifth in her 2014 debut.

Anjaz was scratched on the advice of the track veterinarian after injuring herself in the starting gate.

Inimitable Romanee, who is owned by Gallagher’s Stud, completed the distance in 2:15.50 and paid $22.40.

“She ran a big race, proved it wasn’t a fluke in the Long Island,” said Motion. “I wasn’t concerned about the layoff. We kind of backed off her a little bit. We came down with the idea of not running in every race. She’s pretty easy to train. I was a little concerned about stepping her up in competition, she was 25-1 in the Long Island, and she had to prove she wasn’t lucky that day.

“ I’m not surprised she has come to herself. I should have tried her at a mile and one half three years ago. I am lucky that Mrs. [Marlene] Brody decided to keep her in training because she very easily could have sent her to the breeding shed.”