Private Thoughts extends winning streak with Jet Propulsion victory
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HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – After missing the first seven months of his 2025 campaign, Private Thoughts is certainly making up for the lost time. On Saturday, the 4-year-old notched his third and most important victory since returning to action here this summer when rallying to a head decision over a fast-closing Relampago Verde in the $70,000, 1 1/16-mile Jet Propulsion Handicap on the grass at Gulfstream Park.
Private Thoughts had a very useful 3-year-old season for co-owners David Romanik and trainer Ron Spatz, winning three of nine starts for earnings in excess of $125,000. But he has really flourished since coming back following a nine-month layoff, showing off his versatility with victories on both turf and the Tapeta course as a prelude to the Jet Propulsion.
With his regular rider Leonel Reyes aboard, Private Thoughts broke alertly then rated off the pacesetting Prevent. He engaged the leader four wide into the stretch, edged well clear through midstretch, and then withstood Relampago Verde, who finished full of run down the center of the course to be second best. It was another 2 1/4 lengths back to Lorenz, who was just up for third.
Steal Sunshine, a Grade 2 winner on dirt, was never a serious factor finishing a non-threatening sixth as a very tepid 3-1 favorite while making his third consecutive start on turf.
Private Thoughts, a 4-year-old son of Neoolithic, completed the distance over a firm course in 1:39.73 seconds and paid $8.40 to win.
“He had a few issues. We took care of them. He came back fresh and it’s in the history books now,” said Spatz. “Three in a row – it’s awesome.”
Spatz said he was glad the main event stayed on the turf, as scheduled, after rain showers the previous evening had put that issue somewhat in doubt.
“Although my horse might be a little better on the Tapeta, I thought the three horse [Prevent] would be tough to beat if the race came off the grass,” said Spatz. “I preferred it this way, and the race set up very nicely with the two speed horses in there. He [Reyes] put him where I wanted and the race played out exactly as I had it in my head. He [Private Thoughts] was an inexpensive little 2-year-old purchase, but he’s certainly stolen my heart.”
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