Gulfstream Park: McPeek laments Golden Ticket's near-miss

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Trainer Ken McPeek said he was both pleased and frustrated with Golden Ticket’s second-place finish in Saturday’s Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Handicap. Golden Ticket rallied to reach even terms with the victorious Palace Malice in late stretch before being outkicked to the wire, dropping a head decision while making his first start since the Grade 1 Stephen Foster more than three months earlier.

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“He came so close, it was very frustrating not to have won,” McPeek said. “But it was a big effort, he ran huge. He’s a really good horse, real versatile. We always thought he’d like a mile, but the opportunities for those races are hit-and-miss. Right now, we’re probably leaning towards the Carter in New York for his next race, and then perhaps the Met Mile.”