Gulfstream Park: Wildcat Lily heads seven set for Inside Information
Social Inclusion may be the most noteworthy horse in trainer Manny Azpurua’s barn following his record-setting allowance win over Honor Code here last week. But Wildcat Lily is still the most accomplished.
On Saturday, Azpurua will send out Wildcat Lily against six other older fillies and mares going seven furlongs in the $200,000 Inside Information at Gulfstream Park. The field includes three horses from trainer Marty Wolfson’s barn – My Pal Chrisy, Centrique, and Heart Stealer. Zia Zia Zia, Toasting, and Five Star Momma complete the lineup.
[Clocker Reports: Get Mike Welsch’s clocker reports from Gulfstream Park and Palm Meadows]
Wildcat Lily, the runner-up in both the Grade 1 Prioress and Test last summer at Saratoga, launched her 2014 campaign by finishing a distant third behind Groupie Doll in the Grade 3 Hurricane Bertie on Feb. 8. She looked sharp blowing out for the Grade 2 Inside Information here Wednesday, breezing three furlongs in 35.66 seconds before galloping out a half-mile in 49.06.
Young Ritvo rides first race
Michael Ritvo, 21, the son of Gulfstream Park president and general manager Tim Ritvo and Breeders’ Cup Classic-winning trainer Kathy Ritvo, launched his riding career Wednesday by finishing fourth aboard Tiz Naughty in race 3.
“I was really nervous getting to the gate, but as soon as I was in the gate, it all went away, and I was ready for business,” said Ritvo. “I got a little tired, but I felt wonderful. My horse was a little slow out of the gate, but he sat good, and around the turn I tried to make him move a little bit. He went well and improved from last time.”
Both of Ritvo’s parents admitted to being a little nervous before the race.
“He was patient. The horse finished up good. He looked good. It was a good way to start,” said Tim Ritvo. "I was happy with the way he looked on the horse and I’m glad he was able to get the experience. This is something we never pressured him into. This was all him. He wanted to do this. I’m proud he did all the work himself and got started.”
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