Running Memories, Poseidon's Passion rematched on Tapeta

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Trainer Joe Orseno will be the first to admit he thought Running Memories was in big trouble when he was engaged by Poseidon’s Passion at midstretch of a five-furlong overnight handicap over the Tapeta strip here on Sept. 11. But despite conceding eight pounds to that rival, Running Memories proved equal to the task, digging in gamely to withstand the challenge and register a neck decision to solidify her spot atop the local filly and mare Tapeta/turf sprint division.

Running Memories and Poseidon’s Passion will be back at it again in Saturday’s main event at Gulfstream Park, this time going 5 1/2 furlongs on the Tapeta. The race drew a field of seven fillies and mares, including the stakes-placed Nikee Kan.

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Running Memories disputed the early pace with archrival Miss Auramet on Sept. 11., disposed of that one approaching the eighth pole, but was quickly joined by Poseidon’s Passion, who appeared to have enough momentum to get past Running Memories. But under vigorous handling by jockey Edgar Perez, Running Memories was able to keep her head in front to the wire, with her final time of 56.51 seconds earning the filly a career-best 97 Beyer Speed Figure.

The win was the third in a row at Gulfstream Park for Running Memories, who is trained by Orseno for owner Donald Dizney. All three of those victories came under handicap conditions under weights ranging from 120 to 125 pounds in her last race. Her only setback since May 8 was a fifth-place finish in the Chicken Fried Stakes over the turf at Lone Star on July 16.

“After she came back from Texas, I took it a little easy on her, and at midstretch of her last race I remember thinking maybe I took it a little too easy, because I thought she was going to get beat,” Orseno said. “But she dug in and was able to hold on. That’s a really good filly she defeated that day, and we’re going to be conceding her some weight again on Saturday. But I think our filly is fitter now and should be even better this time.”

Running Memories picked up another pound for her latest victory and carries high weight of 126 pounds, conceding as much as 14 pounds to her six rivals. That doesn’t concern Orseno as much as the fact she drew the inside post. Fortunately for Running Memories, Miss Auramet was not entered on Saturday, which may make things a little easier for her during the early stages of the race.

“She’s pretty versatile,” Orseno said. “I think she’s equally as good on turf as Tapeta, and I think she should be in front again. And she’s really dangerous if she gets the lead and can relax, too.”

Poseidon’s Passion also picks up a pound off her last start and will again get an eight-pound concession in her rematch with Running Memories. She earned a 96 Beyer last time, easily the best she’s posted in 25 career outings, all of which have come for trainer James Gulick.

Trainer Jose D’Angelo will take the blinkers off Nikee Kan on Saturday, the first time the 7-year-old has raced without the equipment since January 2021. Nikee Kan, runner-up in the Ladies Turf Sprint here in February, figures to prompt the early pace while seeking her first win in her sixth start over the synthetic strip.

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