Gulfstream Park notes: Zaikov sharp in return from layoff; earns 106 Beyer

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Zaikov picked up a legion of fans after launching his career with a sensational 14-length victory here at Gulfstream Park last winter. But nagging shin issues forced his supporters to wait before getting to see the promising 3-year-old run again.

As it turned out, the wait was more than worthwhile.

Despite being away 10 months, Zaikov returned with another powerful performance, rallying from just off the pace of the speedy Evolution Rocks to register a 2 1/2-length victory in Friday’s sixth race. Zaikov completed six furlongs in 1:08.73, earning a 106 Beyer Speed Figure, seven points higher than he posted in his debut outing last February.

“I couldn’t be more pleased. I thought overcoming a lack of seasoning and a layoff to run so well against those horses was very impressive,” said trainer Todd Pletcher, who watched Zaikov’s race on television from Aqueduct. “He came back and trained really well. You’re always concerned when you’re running in those type of allowance races against a lot of seasoned horses. I think he showed his quality today and hopefully he has a big future.”

Pletcher said he will likely consider some kind of a stakes race for Zaikov’s next start.

“I think off those two performances we have to look at a stakes,” said Pletcher. “The question is when and at what distance. He’s shown he can run six furlongs really fast. He’s also shown us in the morning that he’ll stretch out. We’ll probably look to stretch out without having to go two turns yet and probably look for something in four to six weeks.”

That time frame could have the Grade 3 Hal’s Hope on Pletcher’s radar. The Hal’s Hope will be decided at a mile here on Jan. 11.

Gonzalez, Zayas come of age

Jockeys Jonathan Gonzalez and Edgard Zayas battled head to head for the inaugural summer riding title before Gonzalez edged out his fellow apprentice on the final day of the meet by a single victory. The riders’ careers have continued to mirror one another with each losing his five-pound allowance earlier this week.

But spending their first day as journeymen riders didn’t faze either Gonzalez or Zayas, with each picking up victories on Friday’s card at Gulfstream. In fact, Zayas did Gonzalez two better by also winning a pair of races earlier in the afternoon at Calder.

Gonzalez posted his first win as a veteran aboard Broome Street in the ninth race at Gulfstream, guiding the longshot from off the pace to upset the 4-5 Majestic Cause.

Zayas earned his first Gulfstream victory without a five-pound allowance 30 minutes earlier for trainer Stanley Gold on the promising 2-year-old maiden winner C. Zee.

“I was a little concerned having to ride against all these good riders without the allowance,” Zayas said after completing his Friday hat trick on C. Zee. “I think it was good to get off to a good start without the bug. I just hope I’ll be able to keep it up throughout the winter.”

Zayas said he plans to continue to accept mounts at both Gulfstream and Calder as long as the two tracks continue to run in conflict.

Saez injured again

Jockey Gabriel Saez sustained a fractured clavicle when his mount Countess Bling fell during Friday’s eighth race, according to his agent, Cory Moran.

“He’s feeling okay, just depressed,” said Moran. “He was just coming off an injury, starting to do well, and now this.”

Saez was sidelined earlier this fall when he sustained a hairline fracture of his right arm after being unseated in a race at Delaware Park on Sept. 25. Saez was third in the standings at Monmouth Park at the time of the injury.

Saez is best known for winning the Kentucky Oaks and Alabama in 2008 with Proud Spell and for his second-place finish that same year aboard Eight Belles in the Kentucky Derby.

Ritvo postpones Mucho Macho Man workout

Trainer Kathy Ritvo, as expected, scrapped plans to work Mucho Macho Man when presented with a muddy racetrack here Saturday. Mucho Macho Man worked for the first time since capturing the Breeders’ Cup Classic here last weekend. Ritvo plans to keep him on a steady work schedule in preparation for his 2014 debut, but said Mucho Macho Man would not breeze or race again over a wet track after being eased as the odds-on favorite here last winter in the Sunshine Millions Classic.

– additional reporting by David Grening