Honey Fox: Mott, Bailey, and Delmonico Cat

The Hall of Fame tandem of trainer Bill Mott and jockey Jerry Bailey, who have been easily the most dominant figures at Gulfstream in the past decade, teamed to win the final race of the opening-day card when Delmonico Cat stormed to victory in the Grade 3, $100,000 Honey Fox Handicap.

Delmonico Cat, bred and owned by Marty and Pam Wygod, returned $11.80 as third choice in a field of 10 fillies and mares. A highly consistent 5-year-old who had finished in the money in 12 of her 13 previous starts, Delmonico Cat finished 1 1/16 miles in 1:41.30 over a firm turf. She now has earned $273,804.

Coney Kitty, always in a good striking position under Cornelio Velasquez, finished second by a half-length. Madeira Mist, the 3-1 second choice, was third.