Hammond benefits from late scratch in Juvenile Sprint
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HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - The complexion of Saturday’s $75,000 Juvenile Sprint changed dramatically at scratch time in the morning with the late defection of odds-on favorite Local Knowledge. That ultimately led to Hammond registering a popular and relatively easy two-length victory over Thunder Chuck in the final stakes of Gulfstream Park’s 2025 Sunshine meeting.
Hammond had made just two previous starts coming into the 6 1/2-furlong Juvenile Sprint, both races coming over wet tracks that included a 2 1/2-length maiden win on September 7. A son of Charlatan, Hammond was one of two youngsters trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. sent out in the scratch-reduced field of only four starters, along with Strategic Reserve.
Hammond broke a step slow and rated off the early pace of his stablemate. He gradually overtook the tiring leader into the stretch before edging clear and maintaining a safe advantage while kept under vigorous urging to the end. Thunder Chuck rallied mildly down the center of the track to be second-best while never seriously menacing the winner. The wide-running Rammaas and tiring Strategic Reserve rounded out the order of finish.
Hammond was ridden by Edgard Zayas, who chose the mount over Strategic Reserve, whom he had also guided to his maiden win here during the summer. Owned in partnership by C2 Racing Stable and MRM Stables, Hammond covered the distance over a fast track in 1:18.19 seconds and paid $3.80.
“Obviously we were happy when the scratches came out because on paper, Todd’s (Pletcher) horse (Local Knowledge) was a standout. He was definitely the best horse in the race,” Joseph said. “But (Hammond) ran well. To be honest, I thought (Strategic Reserve) was the better of our two. He was very disappointing because he had trained so good and ran so poorly.”
Joseph also gave Zayas credit for making the decision to ride Hammond rather than Strategic Reserve.
“Edgard chose the right horse. He also thinks he’ll stretch out better than I do, so I hope he’s right again,” Joseph said with a laugh. “Although I do believe he should be able to get a mile well enough.”
Joseph said he would discuss what might be next for Hammond with his owners while acknowledging the one-mile Mucho Macho Man could be an option for his next start on Jan. 3.
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