Stonetastic using overnight stakes as springboard
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Stonetastic had just two preps toward the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint last fall, which partly explains why she faded to eighth after chasing the pace.
“She’d had some issues and took a while to heal up,” said Kelly Breen, who trains Stonetastic for owner Stoneway Farm.
This year, however, the scheduling will be different as Breen hopes to take Stonetastic to the Breeders’ Cup for a third straight year.
“We’re hoping to have a good, full campaign as long as she’s healthy,” said Breen.
Stonetastic is the 121-pound highweight Sunday for the Valentine’s Day feature at Gulfstream Park, the $65,000 Miami Shores Handicap. After finishing second as a 3-10 favorite in her last race, the Grade 3 Sugar Swirl on Dec. 26, Stonetastic once again figures as a solid public choice in the Miami Shores, a 6 1/2-furlong overnight race that drew nine fillies and mares. The gray 5-year-old mare will have Paco Lopez back aboard when she breaks from post 3.
“She got sawed off about an eighth of a mile out of the gate in the Sugar Swirl,” said Breen. “We were fortunate that she came out of it in good order. We’ve lived to fight another day.”
Stonetastic is using this as a stepping-stone to the Inside Information, a Grade 2 race here March 19.
The Miami Shores is part of the Rainbow 6 sequence as the 11th of 12 Sunday races. First post is 12:35 p.m. Eastern, with the feature set for 5:28. Two allowances (races 6 and 9) also are on tap.
Gulfstream normally is dark on Mondays, but a 12-race card is being staged here this week for the Presidents Day holiday.
KEY CONTENDERS
Stonetastic, by Mizzen Mast
Last 3 Beyers: 86-84-109
◗ The 109 she earned in winning a Sept. 1 allowance at Parx was the second triple-digit Beyer of her 14-race career, following a 108 she got in winning the Grade 2 Prioress as a 3-year-old.
◗ An earner of nearly $475,000, she has had four works at Palm Meadows since her last start and is “sitting on a big race,” said Breen, who was winless with his first 24 starters at the Gulfstream championship meet.
DRF FORMULATOR FACT: No. 3 Stonetastic. Trainer Kelly Breen is 24-0-1-1 at the current Gulfstream Park meet, including Stonetastic’s loss at odds of 3-10 in the Sugar Swirl. Click for more details. – Mike Hogan
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Fond of Sarah, by With Distinction
Last 3 Beyers: 88-88-64
◗ A Jan. 8 allowance victory resulted in her second straight 88 Beyer and makes her a viable player in a race that appears very well matched beyond Stonetastic.
Mom’z Laugh, by Leroidesanimaux
Last 3 Beyers: 87-82-66
◗ The winner of a Sunshine Millions event in her last start, this improving Florida-bred returns to open company and is gunning for her fourth win from her last five starts.
DRF FORMULATOR FACT: No. 9 Dogwood Trail. Trainer Stanley Gold is 12-3-2-2 with a $4.83 ROI over the past year going turf to dirt in sprints at Gulfstream Park. Click for more details. – Mike Hogan