Gulfstream Park: Mucho Macho Man tunes up for Santa Anita Handicap

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Mucho Macho Man completed his local preparations for Santa Anita’s Big Cap on March 8 by going an easy five furlongs in 1:02.56 over a lightning-fast track here at Gulfstream Park on Saturday. Mucho Macho Man was scheduled to fly to Southern California on Sunday.

With regular rider Nick Petro Jr. aboard, Mucho Macho Man was well-held leaving the five-furlong pole, posting early splits of 12.79 seconds, 24.99, and 37.40 for his opening three-eighths. Petro guided Mucho Macho Man about three or four paths off the rail turning into the stretch and had the Breeders’ Cup Classic winner well in reserve to the wire before allowing him to gallop out six furlongs in 1:15.63.

“The racetrack is very fast, and we didn’t want him doing too much,” trainer Kathy Ritvo said. “We were really just looking to take care of him this morning. I told Nicky to keep him off the rail to make sure he didn’t try to do too much. Everything has gone well so far since his last race.”

Frank Stronach’s Adena Springs Farm purchased an undisclosed share in Mucho Macho Man from owners Dean and Patti Reeves for both racing and breeding purposes last week.

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Ritvo said Mucho Macho Man will return to his winter home at Gulfstream following the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap.