Team of Teams wires field to upset Sand Springs Stakes
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Jimmy Jerkens found himself right at home in the Gulfstream Park winner’s circle during the early stages of Saturday’s Fountain of Youth undercard, returning for a second time within a 30 minute span after Team of Teams’ three-length triumph over Grizzel in the $100,000 Sand Springs Stakes. Team of Teams' impressive performance came on the heels of Holy Helena’s 1 3/4-length victory in the Grade 3 The Very One 30 minutes earlier.
Team of Teams, a homebred daughter of Elusive Quality owned by Joseph Allen, led throughout under clever handling by John Velazquez. Team of Teams maintained a short advantage over Perdona for nearly six furlongs before exploding at the top of the lane and quickly opening a commanding advantage once settling into the stretch. She was never seriously menaced thereafter.
Grizzel saved ground early then rallied mildly to finish second, a half-length in front of Island Reward. Celestine, the odds-on 1-2 favorite, had no excuse, racing within easy striking distance of the winner while saving ground to the stretch before coming up empty when set down for the drive. She finished fourth and was followed across the wire, in turn, by Storm the Hill, the tiring Perdona, and Kylla Instinct.
Team of Teams, runner-up in the Tropical Park Oaks in her 3-year-old finale here on Dec. 30, completed a mile over a firm course in 1:35.94 seconds and paid $24.20. She was given a 91 Beyer Speed Figure.
“We thought the only filly with speed maybe close to us was the one on the outside [Perdona], and Johnny [Velazquez] made it look like he had intentions of leaving there, and she took back a little,” said Jerkens. “And I was glad she did. It helped us a little. We were lucky she was able to get away with an easy lead. She doesn’t seem to want to settle during a race behind another horse. She showed a turn of foot like that before, in her first race in the country. She’s got it in her, she’s a feisty little thing and you have to get her on her day. Some days she can be a little cranky.”
