Gulfstream Park: Parranda milks lead in paceless Suwannee River

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Everybody knew there was not much speed among the eight fillies and mares signed on for Saturday’s $150,000 Suwannee River at Gulfstream Park. But only jockey Jose Lezcano took advantage of the situation, putting Parranda on a lead which she never relinquished en route to a two-length victory over Riposte in the Grade 3 turf fixture for fillies and mares.

Parranda set a leisurely pace under Lezcano, posting splits of 25.12, 51.27 and 1:15.33 for the opening six furlongs of the 1 1/8-mile Suwannee River. That left her with plenty in reserve when challenged by Abaco turning for home. Parranda readily dispatched the 8-5 favorite when roused at the top of the stretch, quickly drawing well clear before maintaining a safe advantage over Riposte to the wire.

Parranda, who has registered six of her eight career victories over the Gulfstream turf course, completed the distance in 1:49.07 while covering the final three furlongs in a sparkling 33.74 seconds.

Riposte, a Group 2 winner in Europe last season, saved ground throughout and outfinished Abaco by a half-length to be second while making her U.S. debut for trainer Bill Mott.

Parranda is a daughter of English Channel trained by Rodolfo Garcia for the Lone Stable LLC. She paid $6.20.

“The only thing I said in the paddock to Jose was, ‘there’s no speed in here’ and he said ‘I know,’ ” said Garcia. “He told me in the winner’s circle I was going to the lead anyway, so I guess he knew too. It worked out well, I saw the fractions and she was going easy.”

Garcia said he’s not certain what will be next for Parranda.

“She loves it here but there are no more restricted races so we’ll see what happens, we’ll look at our options,” said Garcia. “They have tried to buy her. I don’t want to sell her, but if the price is right. But the price keeps rising, now that she’s won a Grade 3, the price is not the same.”