Gypsy Blu rewards Rosario's effort with win in Irish O'Brien

ARCADIA, Calif. - Gypsy Blu ran so well winning Sunday’s $102,106 Irish O’Brien Stakes at Santa Anita that it made Joel Rosario’s delayed journey to California from Dubai, via Amsterdam, worth the trouble.

Gypsy Blu ($8.40) closed from well off the pace to catch 4-5 favorite S Y Sky in the final furlong, winning the race at about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside turf course by a half-length. The Irish O’Brien was restricted to California-bred fillies and mares.

Gypsy Blu was timed in 1:12.59 and earned a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 86.

“She likes to follow horses, and when she makes a move she wants to pass them all,” Rosario said. “She gives you a lot of confidence.”

Rosario was booked to ride five of the nine races at Santa Anita on Sunday, but missed his first two mounts because of flights delays.

X S Gold finished third in the Irish O'Brien, followed by Fiery Lady, Queen Bee to You, Algorhythmic, Donut Girl, Barbara Beatrice, Scathing and Ismelucky.

There were 11 starters, but only 10 finishers. Coco Kisses (50-1) lugged out entering the stretch, clipping heels with a rival and unseating jockey Heriberto Figueroa. Coco Kisses stayed on her feet and continued at the back of the field. Figueroa was quickly on his feet.

The stewards conducted an inquiry into the incident, but did not change the order of finish.

Gypsy Blu has turned into a bargain claim for owners Jim Hailey and Philip Wood and trainer Mark Glatt. They claimed Gypsy Blu for $20,000 on Jan. 25, the day she won an optional claimer for California-bred fillies and mares.

In her first start for the new owners and Glatt, Gypsy Blu won a starter allowance, earning $23,760. Sunday’s win was worth $60,000.

By Papa Clem, Gypsy Blu is a 5-year-old mare who has won 5 of 8 starts and earned $169,995.

The win gave trainer Mark Glatt his second stakes win of the day. He won the Grade 3 San Simeon Stakes on Law Abidin Citizen earlier on the program.