Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint: Wicked Tune holds off Travelin Man

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Wicked Tune, the victim of an unlucky trip in his previous start, parlayed a clean run on Saturday into a three-quarter length victory over a fast-closing Travelin Man in the $75,000 Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint.

Wicked Tune, who raced near the rear of the field after steadying early facing allowance company here on Jan. 5, was forwardly placed in the five-furlong Gulfstream Turf Sprint under jockey Elvis Trujillo. Wicked Tune slipped along the rail to overtake the dueling leaders near midstretch, edged clear, and then withstood Travelin Man’s belated rally.

Travelin Man, a multiple stakes winner locally on dirt, made his turf debut in the Gulfstream Turf Sprint and had to overcome an unlucky start when pinched back and steadied between horses after the break. Last turning for home, Travelin Man swung wide and finished full of run to be second, three parts of a length in front of Determinato.

Tightend Touchdown, making his first start since finishing second in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, was never a serious factor, finishing eighth as the even-money favorite in a field of 10.

Wicked Tune, a 6-year-old homebred son of Concorde’s Tune, is trained by Jane Cibelli for owners Pat and Frank Generazio. He paid $21.40 after completing five furlongs in 56.98seconds over a turf course officially rated good.

“He does like this turf course,” said Cibelli. “I just got him a year ago and he was on the downslide. He had a couple of problems and we fixed them and we’re seeing results. We’ll take it how it comes. Turf sprints, that’s it.We’re not trying to re-invent the wheel.”