Star Hill, Weep No More make Arnold's weekend

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – In a short span of time, trainer Rusty Arnold got a welcomed reminder that the long and stressful days of thankless work are all worthwhile.

Arnold was at Gulfstream Park on Saturday to send out a 3-year-old colt named Star Hill to a dazzling triumph in a seven-furlong maiden race. And then, less than 90 minutes later, Arnold watched via simulcast as Weep No More represented his stable in winning the Suncoast Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs.

“Those days always help,” said Arnold, who saddled his first winner more than 40 years ago in July 1975.

Both 3-year-olds likely will make their next start in a graded race, said Arnold.

Star Hill, bred and owned by the Calumet Farm of Brad Kelley, earned an 88 Beyer Speed Figure in winning by 7 3/4 lengths. The son of Elusive Quality was making his fourth start. In his previous start, he had finished third in a maiden race here Jan. 16.

“We’ve really liked him a whole lot all along,” said Arnold. “He popped a splint early on, and then when we had him ready to run last fall at Keeneland, he grabbed a quarter really bad, and we had to stop on him again. But I thought he ran well when we brought him back for his first start here, and he really put it all together [Saturday]. He left the gate the right way and took it from there.

“We’re going to get pretty aggressive with him now, assuming he comes back training well. We’ll consider the Tampa Bay Derby or something similar, definitely one of the Derby preps. We’re excited about him.”

Weep No More, a Mineshaft filly owned by Glenn Bromagen, rallied from well back to win the Suncoast by 2 3/4 lengths for her second straight victory around two turns. She was coming off a Jan. 22 maiden win at Tampa in her second start.

Arnold said that among the options for Weep No More are a stakes at Gulfstream, the Bourbonette Oaks at Turfway Park on April 2, the Ashland at Keeneland on April 9, and maybe even the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs on May 6.

“We’ve got plenty of options with her,” said Arnold. “If we think she’s still on the way up, you’d love to consider the Ashland or even think about the Oaks, but that’s getting a little ahead. She has come along real well and is maybe a little more of a surprise than Star Hill.”

◗ Mohaymen, the early Kentucky Derby favorite, is scheduled to have his final work toward the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth on Friday or Saturday at the Palm Meadows training center. Mohaymen is one of at least six 3-year-olds considered definite for the Fountain of Youth, with the others being Awesome Banner, Awesome Speed, Cherry Wine, Fellowship, and Zulu. Nominations closed Sunday.