Pletcher sweeps weekend stakes at Gulfstream

HALLANDALE BEACH FLA. - Trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey John Velazquez completed a sweep of the weekend stakes at Gulfstream Park after Dubleo registered a game half length victory over Tadbreeb in Sunday's $60,000 . The potent Pletcher-Velazquez duo also teamed up to win Saturday's Sabin Stakes with Isola Piu Bella.

Dubleo, making his first start since winning the Grade 3 Generous Stakes at Hollywood Park on Nov. 27, tracked the pace of Lord Robyn from the outset of the one mile and one sixteenth Dave Feldman, overtook that rival in early stretch then was all out to withstand a solid bid from Tadreed in the final sixteenth. The latter raced well placed, rallied willingly leaving the final turn to join the winner at midstretch but could not sustain the bid. Crown Point rallied to finish third.

Champagne Brunch, Lord Robyn, Win Me Over, Majestic J C E, Initially and Elusive Thunder rounded out the complete order of finish. Safely Run refused to break.

Dubleo covered the distance in 1:40.72 seconds over a firm course and paid $5.40 as the favorite in a field of ten.

"I knew I had to lay off the pace and not get into any duels," said Velazquez. "He's a fighter. The other horse(Tadreeb) came to him and he responded again."

Pletcher said he'll point Dubleo for the $100,000 Palm Beach Stakes at a mile and one eighth on March 26.