In the Rough gets winning trip

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - In the Rough parlayed a dream trip under jockey Joe Bravo into a three-quarter-length victory over Check the Label in Sunday's at Gulfstream Park.

In the Rough, a 3-year-old daughter of Stormy Atlantic, was making just her second start on grass in the 1 1/16-mile Coconut Grove. Rating perfectly along the inside while just behind the early leaders, In the Rough had to steady briefly awaiting clearance at the head of the stretch before finding ample room inside the drifting leader Blackwell turning for home. She overtook Dattt Echo at midstretch before holding safe a final try from Check the Label.

Upperline shipped in from the Fair Grounds and was co-favored with Check the Label at 3-1 despite making her turf debut in the Coconut Grove. But she was left with too much to do after dropping well back during the early stages of the race, rallying belatedly to finish a non-threatening fourth in a field of nine 3-year-old fillies. Both Sassy Image and Age of Humor were entered for main track only and were scratched.

In the Rough paid $23.80. Final time was 1:42.65 over a good course.

"I told Joe to save as much ground as possible," said Kelly Breen, who trains In the Rough for his principal owners Lori and George Hall. "Thank God the hole opened for her at the head of the stretch."

The Coconut Grove gave the team of Breen, Bravo and the Halls their second stakes win of the meet. They also combined to capture the Grade 2 Forward Gal earlier this month with Bickersons.