Incanto and Ruiz surge to victory in Texas Glitter Stakes

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla - Incanto took a back seat to his more accomplished mate Gabaldon in both the lead-up to and wagering for Saturday’s $115,000 Texas Glitter Stakes at Gulfstream Park. But in the end it was 9-1 Incanto posing in the winner’s circle following his come-from-behind neck victory over 3-2 favorite No Evidence in the five-furlong turf dash for 3-year-olds.

Gabaldon finished another length farther back in third.

Incanto joined Gabaldon in trainer Jose D’Angelo’s barn earlier this winter, registering a maiden win and a second-place finish in an entry-level allowance dash to earn a spot in the Texas Glitter. The Irish-bred son of Mehmas made the most of the opportunity under a well-timed ride by jockey Jorge Ruiz.

Gabaldon, idle since finishing second in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Ascot nearly nine months ago, set a lively pace in the Texas Glitter, posting early splits of 21.64 seconds and 43.73 for the opening half-mile. Ruiz allowed Incanto, who stumbled and bumped briefly with Most Handsome after the start, to settle some four lengths off the early leader, angled him out to commence his bid at the top of the stretch, and finished full of run down the center of the course to wear down No Evidence in the final yards.

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No Evidence broke alertly, then prompted the early pace, overtook the tiring Gabaldon to gain command at midstretch, but could not last. The previously undefeated Turbulent Force finished fourth, followed by Most Handsome, I’m Otter Here and Moon Factor.

Incanto completed the distance in 55.26 and returned $21.00.

“I know Gabaldon is a fast horse and likes the lead, but the number six (No Evidence) broke faster and made Jaramillo (Emisael) push him too much early,” D’Angelo said. “Incanto, he got the perfect pace (setup) for him.”

D’Angelo admitted to having mixed emotions after the race.

“When I enter my horses I want them all to win and I knew both would be tough,” D’Angelo said. “Gabaldon brought me to Ascot for the first time and gave me a magic moment over there. But I knew it would be tough for him coming back first time off the layoff and I was happy with the way he ran. I just pray to God he came back good, and I hope he will bring us to better races the rest of the season.”

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