Kerry's Kiss steps forward with Sheer Drama triumph
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Kerry’s Kiss, who has suddenly become the dominant force in the South Florida filly and mare sprint division, made it two stakes victories in as many starts since joining trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.’s barn earlier this summer with a 1 1/2-length decision over stablemate Indy Bay in Saturday’s $100,000 Sheer Drama Handicap at Gulfstream Park.
Purchased privately and turned over to Joseph following an allowance win last April at Oaklawn Park, Kerry’s Kiss announced her presence on the local scene with authority on June 27 with a convincing 2 3/4-length victory over Indy Bay in the Musical Romance Handicap. The Sheer Drama played out in similar fashion, with Kerry’s Kiss controlling the pace before easily holding off a mild bid from the even-money favorite through the stretch.
Kerry’s Kiss received a five-pound weight concession from Indy Bay in the Musical Romance, but carried just one less, toting 124 pounds, in the rematch.
It was another seven lengths back to Just a Philly, who passed tiring horses to finish third. Permian Basin and Domino Vitali completed the order of finish. Poiema, Bombacha Veloz and Girvin Star were scratched.
Kerry’s Kiss, a 4-year-old daughter of Vino Rosso, completed seven furlongs in 1:23.37 under Edwin Gonzalez and paid $4.80. She is likely to return as one of the favorites in the Grade 3 Princess Rooney, a Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series event, at Gulfstream Park on September 12.
“I know she’s a quick filly, but I didn’t want to give her too much attention,” Gonzalez said. “I let her go on her own and she did everything right. The last time she broke really sharp and she did the same thing today. I just wanted to give her a little breather turning for home because I know the other filly (Indy Bay) and I didn’t want them to get the jump on her. And she kept going.”
:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.
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