Trip Notes for December 21: Dania Beach

Saturday, December 21

Gulfstream - Dania Beach (race 9)

COMMENT: Much of the buzz around the Shug McGaughey barn is for highly regarded 2-year-old Honor Code, but he may well have a big-time grass horse in the making as Mr. Speaker looked super winning this. The son of Pulpit bided his time early, steadily advanced down the backside, moved down to the rail, made a sharp, strong move to get in behind the leading pack, waited for room while staying inside, found a seam, surged through and drew away. After a wire-to-wire win in October, he showed versatility in this race. McGaughey did mention a possible try on dirt, however, for his next start, just to see if there’s some Triple Crown potential. Cabo Cat lagged back, just behind the winner early, and finished well to be second, though he was no threat to the winner. Pleuven, making his U.S. debut, broke slowly, sat last, remained there to the far turn and finished well, though by that point the winner was already long gone. Request, the favorite, sat midpack while saving ground but gave way readily.

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