Gulfstream Park: Mucho Macho Man gallops

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Mucho Macho Man got the opportunity to really stretch his legs for the first time since his return from Santa Anita when he galloped early Saturday morning at Gulfstream Park. Trainer Kathy Ritvo had not allowed Mucho Macho Man to do little more than jog since getting him back to the track last weekend.

“I just wanted him to go easy and get reaccustomed to this track here before letting him start galloping again,” said Ritvo.

Ritvo added that she and the owners will be discussing plans for Mucho Macho Man’s future in the next week.

Russian rider joins colony

Magomet Kappushev, who once trained and rode horses for Russian President Valdimir Putin, made his U.S. riding debut last week at Gulfstream, finishing second aboard Lucky Black for trainer Eddie Colletti.

Kappushev, who has ridden in Dubai and Asia as well as throughout Europe, said he plans to remain in Florida for the foreseeable future.

“Riding is different between Europe and the U.S.,” said Kappushev through an interpreter. “I feel like I need to get used to it a little bit here.”

◗ Amen Kitten, winner of the Tropical Park Derby on turf in his last start, looked sharp working over the main track Friday at Gulfstream, where he breezed an easy five furlongs in 59.72 in company with two of his stablemates from the barn of trainer Wesley Ward. Amen Kitten, a 3-year-old Kitten’s Joy homebred, is owned by Ken and Sarah Ramsey.