Hurricane Bertie highlights calm before storm

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – With the next huge day of racing at Gulfstream set for Feb. 21, the only stakes here next weekend is the Grade 3, $150,000 Hurricane Bertie on Saturday.

Among the 20 fillies and mares nominated to the 6 1/2-furlong Hurricane Bertie are Dame Dorothy, Merry Meadow, Wedding Toast, Classic Point, and R Free Roll.

Feb. 21 is a date to circle on your calendar. The Gulfstream program will be anchored by a major Kentucky Derby prep, the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth, and will include seven other stakes, six of them graded.

◗ A fundraising event for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund has been set for the evening of March 23, the Monday before the Florida Derby. Tickets for the dinner and silent auction at Frank and Dino’s in Deerfield Beach, Fla., are available by calling (954) 427-4909.