Otello uses late kick to take Mucho Macho Man Stakes

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Otello extricated himself from traffic on the final turn then surged past the embattled leaders to register a popular half-length decision over First World War in Monday’s $150,000 Mucho Macho Man Stakes at Gulfstream Park. This is the first of four major 3-year-old stakes to be decided this winter at Gulfstream, culminating with the $1 million Florida Derby on March 30.

Otello came into the Mucho Macho Man as the least experienced member of the field with only one previous start on his resumè, a neck victory going a mile at Aqueduct on Nov. 24. As was the case that day, the son of Curlin raced in midpack during the early stages while kept within easy striking distance of the leaders by jockey Luis Saez. Otello saved ground on the turn, had to steady briefly awaiting clearance entering the stretch, tipped out three wide inside the furlong marker then came on with a rush to wear down First World War and Sea Streak in the closing yards.

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First World War stalked the early leaders three wide, lugged in a bit before finally switching lead after seven furlongs, stuck his head in front between calls in late stretch but could not last. Sea Streak, equipped with blinkers for the first time, contested the pace from the outset and gained command after six panels. Sea Streak then dug in gamely when engaged by First World War, before succumbing grudgingly to finish another neck further back at the end.

Inveigled dropped back to last while widest exiting the bendbefore rallying mildly down the center of the track to finish fourth. Not This Time broke poorly, circled horses to gain close contention into the stretch then flattened out from the effort. Everdoit was done after six furlongs.

Otello is trained by Christophe Clement for the partnership of WinStar Farm and Siena Farms. His final time of 1:37.76 seconds was over a half second slower than Power Squeeze completed the same distance winning the Cash Run for 3-year-old fillies an hour earlier. He paid $5.40.

“He went to New York and got in a lot of trouble and the same applied today,” said Clement. “I guess he likes to be in trouble but he was good enough to overcome it and he won well. He’s only had two starts but he’s already had plenty of schooling. I’m not exactly sure what he beat today, but I know they liked the second horse. I don’t train many Curlin’s so it’s nice when it works out. It’s the first year we trained for WinStar and I’m thrilled. Also Siena Farm, the late Mr. Manganaro. He was great and really believed in us.”

Power Squeeze takes Cash Run

Power Squeeze made her local debut a winning one and did so in style, powering past the leaders from out in the center of the track to a convincing five-length victory over 8-5 favorite Queen’s Martini in the $100,000 Cash Run for newly turned 3-year-old fillies.

Power Squeeze began her career in the mid-Atlantic, winning her maiden at third asking going a mile in a race switched from turf to the main track on Oct. 7 at Delaware Park. After earning a meager 49 Beyer Speed Figure for the effort, he shipped to trainer Jorge Delgado’s barn at Gulfstream Park shortly thereafter and never missed a beat in the morning prepping for her local bow and made a big leap forward here Monday.

With Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard for the first time, Power Squeeze, a daughter of Union Rags, dropped back near the rear of the well bunched field leaving the backstretch. She fanned about six or seven paths wide while edging closer into the stretch, joined the leaders inside the eighth pole and sustained that momentum to the wire.

Queen’s Martini, idle since drawing off to an easy win debuting in a restricted sprint race at Saratoga in mid-July, also rallied wide into the stretch but proved no match for the winner while easily best of the others.

Power Squeeze paid $18.80.

“We’ve been trying to find races to stretch her out,” said Delgado, who trains Power Squeeze for the Lea Farms LLC. “Her last race was the first time she got to develop her stride and show the run she had today. And it’s always a plus to have Irad. He did everything right.”

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