Maker, Batista score stakes double with Fast and Accurate, Desert Duchess
Trainer Mike Maker and jockey Jose Batista swept both stakes races for 3-year-olds at Gulfstream Park West on Saturday.
In a race dominated by speed, Fast and Accurate edged Kroy by three-quarters of a length in the $75,000 Showing Up Stakes. He paid $20 for his game victory over the even-money favorite in the one-mile race on firm turf.
Desert Duchess paid $10 for her impressive win in the $75,000 Cellars Shiraz Stakes.
Fast and Accurate hounded Kroy through a half-mile in 49.05 seconds before moving up to be on even terms after six furlongs in 1:12.92. The duo battled the rest of the way, with Fast and Accurate edging clear late. General McGooby came from a stalking position to finish a neck behind Kroy. The final time was 1:38.04.
Fast and Accurate, a Pennsylvania-bred son of Hansen, was given an 85 Beyer Speed Figure and earned $44,640 for owners Kendall Hansen and Skychai Racing. It was the fourth win in his career and brought his lifetime earnings to $401,942.
Breaking from the outside post in the 11-horse Cellars Shiraz, Desert Duchess went five wide around the first turn in the one-mile race on turf for 3-year-old fillies. She moved into a stalking position at the half-mile call and was a head behind Sylphide at the six-furlong mark.
After taking the lead in midstretch, she drew off to win decisively. Spanish Harlem saved ground while stalking Overnegotiate and Sylphide, who dueled through a half-mile in 49.10 seconds. Spanish Harlem was no match for the winner and finished a head in front of Ellery Lane, who rallied late. Ellery Lane looked like she was going to pass Spanish Harlem but bobbled approaching the wire after bumping with the runner-up.
Overnegotiate, the $3.10-1 favorite, finished fifth.
The final time was 1:37.57.
It was the third straight win for the Kentucky-bred daughter of Hard Spun, who received a 90 Beyer. The winner’s share of the purse boosted her lifetime earnings to $239,660. She is owned by Jordan Wycroft.
