Shifty She holds off late challenge for Ginger Punch triumph
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Shifty She withstood early pressure from Bienville Street and a late challenge from Sun Summers to register a popular half-length decision in Saturday’s $75,000 Ginger Punch Stakes at Gulfstream Park.
Her stablemate Lovely Luvy finished third.
Shifty She solidified her claim as the leading member of the Florida-bred filly and mare turf division by adding the Ginger Punch to her victory four weeks ago against open company in the Powder Break Stakes.
With Edwin Gonzalez aboard, Shifty She broke alertly from her inside post and stuck her head in front right from the outset of the 1 1/16-mile Ginger Punch. Bienville Street, who showed surprising early speed, pressed the 4-5 favorite through fractions of 23.77 and 47.15 and 1:10.09 for six furlongs.
Shifty She edged clear of the tiring Bienville Street on the final turn but was immediately engaged entering the stretch by Sun Summers, who saved ground while sitting a perfect pocket trip behind the embattled leaders. But Shifty She proved equal to the task, turning back the bid while maintaining a short advantage throughout the final furlong. It was another three parts of a length farther back to Lovely Luvy, who loomed boldly after swinging wide into the stretch only to lack the necessary closing response. Summering finished fourth, followed by a troubled Mo of the West, tiring Bienville Street, Key Biscayne, and Forbidden Dream.
Saffie Joseph Jr. trains Shifty She, a 5-year-old Florida-bred daughter of Gone Astray, for Pedigree Partners LLC. Now a winner of five of seven career starts, Shifty She paid $3.80 after completing the 1 1/16-mile firm course in 1:40.13.