Gunnevera points to Travers after Tangelo Stakes win

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Gunnevera was assigned an 86 Beyer Speed Figure for his five-length victory Sunday in the Tangelo Stakes at Gulfstream Park, although the number seems largely irrelevant given that it came in what was little more than a paid public workout against four overmatched 3-year-olds.

What is more important is that the 1 1/16-mile Tangelo served its purpose as a bridge between the May 20 Preakness, in which Gunnevera ran fifth, and the Aug. 26 Travers at Saratoga, a divisional showdown in which the chestnut colt will be one of a multitude of viable contenders.

“I’m very happy,” trainer Antonio Sano said as 30 or so happy supporters were dispersing from the Gulfstream winner’s circle after the Tangelo. “He has more weight. He is stronger. We are looking forward to the Travers.”

Gunnevera, a Kentucky-bred by Dialed In, has earned Beyers in the mid-90s on three occasions, most notably a career-high 97 in his signature win, the March 4 Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream.

Sano said travel arrangements are not yet confirmed, but he expects Gunnevera to be flown to New York either Aug. 18 or Aug. 21. Edgard Zayas, who has breezed Gunnevera on numerous occasions in the last year but was aboard him in a race for the first time Sunday, will retain the mount for the Travers.

Since the Preakness, owner Salomon del Valle of Venezuela has bought out his two partners in the now-defunct Peacock Racing Stables and now holds a 100 percent interest in Gunnevera, who ran Sunday in the name of Sano Racing Stables because of licensing issues. The colt will run in del Valle’s name in the Travers, said Sano.