Storming the Rampart

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Allamerican Bertie made a happy anniversary even happier for her owners Bertram and Elaine Klein when she coasted to an easy 7 3/4-length victory over Smok'n Frolic and four other overmatched rivals in Saturday's $200,000 at Gulfstream Park.

The Kleins, who, with their son Richard, own and bred Allamerican Bertie, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday.

Allamerican Bertie's winning margin was the largest in the 24-year history of the Grade 2 Rampart. She paid $2.80 to win and was responsible for a minus show pool of $88,791.

Allamerican Bertie covered 1 1/8 miles in 1:47.92 seconds over a very fast track. She was ridden to victory by John Velazquez, who has now won the last three graded stakes races at Gulfstream. Last weekend Velazquez captured the Grade 1 Donn Handicap aboard Harlan's Holiday and the Grade 2 Davona Dale with Yell.

As expected, Allamerican Bertie went right to the lead from her outside post. A daughter of Quiet American and Clever Bertie, she set fractions of 23.85, 47.26, and 1:10.59 with Smok'n Frolic in close pursuit. She pulled away with complete authority when put to a drive by Velazquez at the head of the stretch. Smok'n Frolic was easily second best, finishing 6 1/4 lengths before Softly, who was followed by Tuff Chick, Redoubled Miss, and Southern Friction.

"The pressure is off now," said trainer Steve Flint, who has been pointing Allamerican Bertie to the Rampart since their arrival in south Florida in December. "The track was good and she set a reasonably fast pace for a mile and an eighth. She did it pretty comfortably and wasn't even blowing when she came back. The only thing that can stop this filly now is if I run her on grass again. And that's not going to happen."

Allamerican Bertie finished 10th in the Honey Fox Handicap on the turf here earlier in the meet.

"Azeri is in a class by herself in this division, but I wouldn't be afraid of running against anybody else right now," said Flint. "And unless they get somebody to run with her the first part of it she's going to be awfully tough to beat."

Flint said he planned to give Allamerican Bertie a little break and then point to the Grade 2 Louisville Breeders' Cup Handicap at Churchill Downs on May 2.