Pentathlon lands satisfying victory for McGaughey, Davis in Army Mule
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HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – A frustrating winter at Gulfstream Park became a little more tolerable for trainer Shug McGaughey on Saturday after Pentathlon won the $175,000 Army Mule Stakes by a half-length over Back Em Up.
Pentathlon was ridden to victory by Dylan Davis, who won his first stakes – and sixth race overall – since returning from serious injuries that sidelined him for 3 1/2 months.
The win was just the third from 49 starters for McGaughey at Gulfstream Park’s winter meet, which ends Sunday. McGaughey did have eight seconds and 12 thirds.
“It’s been frustrating, but I think I’ve got horses set up to where I want them,” McGaughey said.
Pentathlon, a 5-year-old son of Speightstown owned by Phipps Stable, has himself been frustrating at times for McGaughey. Last October, he won a second-level allowance and appeared to be going into the Grade 2 Cigar Mile in good order. He ended up finishing fifth, beaten 11 lengths in that race.
Pentathlon made a successful 5-year-old debut on Feb. 15 at Tampa winning an allowance race by five lengths.
“He’s a funny kind of horse, you don’t know what’s going to show up sometimes,” McGaughey said. “But he’s done good down here this winter. His race at Tampa was a really good race.”
Davis had Pentathlon in close proximity to the pace-setting Concrete Glory while saving all the ground. Approaching the top of the stretch, Davis got Pentathlon off the rail and he overtook Concrete Glory inside the sixteenth pole while holding 11-1 shot Back Em Up at bay. Back Em Up finished second by a half-length over Playmea Tune, who was a nose better than Concrete Glory. Owen Almighty, the 2025 Tampa Bay Derby winner finished fifth as the slight 7-2 favorite Pentathlon.
“Perfet trip, exactly what I thought on paper,” Davis said. “Thanks to Shug, he had him ready for me today. I had horse to work with so it was great.”
Davis, who last Nov. 14 suffered multiple injuries, including nine broken ribs, a broken arm and having to have a kidney removed, is hoping this victory can help jumpstart his comeback which he plans to continue when he returns to Aqueduct next week.
“Every winner’s good but now back in stakes company so it feels great,” said Davis, who returned to riding here on Feb. 28. “Last day here tomorrow, happy to win for the team and get back on track. Feels great to overcome all of that with this past winter and all the injuries. I’m happy with where I’m at right now.”
Pentathlon covered the seven furlongs in 1:23.11 and returned $10.
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