Southern Barbecue ready after all

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Southern Barbecue, a full brother to multiple Grade 1 winner Jackson Bend, returned from a seven-month layoff to capture Sunday’s allowance feature at Gulfstream Park for owner-breeder Jacks or Better Farm and trainer Stanley Gold. Southern Barbecue, a 3-year-old son of Hear No Evil, withstood a long pace duel before edging away to a 1 1/4-length decision under leading rider Tyler Gaffalione.

“I was afraid I wasn’t able to do enough with him and that he would weaken and get tired,” Gold said. “He’s kind of a lazy horse in the morning and doesn’t want to train a lot. He pleasantly surprised me and should run better next time.”

Gold and Jacks or Better Farm also have gotten off to a hot start with their 2-year-olds, combining to win the first two baby races of the meet last week with Silent Prayer and Fellowship. Gold will likely be favored to keep his juvenile mark unblemished for the season when he sends out Eden’s Garden, a Jacks or Better homebred daughter of Awesome of Course, as the likely favorite in Thursday’s third race.