Hy Riverside rallies to take Big Red Stakes

Hy Riverside, victimized by an extremely unlucky and eventful trip when returning from an eight-month layoff in the Big Drama Stakes, had no such traffic issues on Sunday when rallying to a one-length victory over Mr. Jordan in the $75,000 Big Red Stakes at Gulfstream Park.

Hy Riverside finished fifth in the Big Drama while beaten just 4 1/2 lengths despite steadying numerous times during the seven-furlong dash for Florida-breds. In the one mile Big Red, jockey Miguel Vasquez rated Hy Riverside about five lengths off the early pace of 8-5 favorite Ceevee, then angled the 7-year-old veteran wide while rallying into the stretch before gradually running down Mr. Jordan to win going away.

Mr. Jordan, a multiple stakes winner of more than $840,000, prompted the early running, gained control on the final turn but proved no match for the winner at the end. Eye of a Jedi finished third.

A 7-year-old son of Macho Uno, Hy Riverside is trained by Jorge Delgado for Mar Racing Stable Inc. He returned $8.40 to win in the Big Red.

“He had a better trip than he did last time in the Big Drama. He had a terrible trip. We were expecting him to win that day,” Delgado said. “When he came to us he had a few little issues and we had to work through that. We always do the best for him, and he is giving us the same.”

Delgado said the $250,000 Smile Sprint going six furlongs on June 29 will be under consideration for Hy Riverside’s next start.