Valid fine after bad trip in Gulfstream Park Handicap

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Trainer Marcus Vitali said his handicap star, Valid, appears to have come out of Saturday’s Gulfstream Park Handicap none the worse for wear after being knocked sideways by Anchor Down while rallying at midstretch of the Grade 2 fixture for older horses.

“Other than a few cuts, he seemed fine this morning,” Vitali said on Sunday. “We’ll know for sure in a couple of days, but at the moment, he seems to have come out of it okay.”

Jockey Nik Juarez did an amazing job just staying in the saddle after Anchor Down came out under left-handed pressure to collide with Valid, who, as always, did not switch off his left lead down the stretch. Valid was leaning in a bit himself while attempting to run down the leaders in the final furlong of the one-mile Gulfstream Park Handicap.

Valid, the runner-up in the Grade 1 Donn Handicap in his previous start and the 6-5 favorite in the Gulfstream Park Handicap, crossed the finish line fourth, beaten 3 3/4 lengths by Blofeld, but was placed third via the disqualification of Anchor Down.

“The more I looked at it last night several times, he was the winner, no doubt in my mind,” said Vitali. “It’s a tough way to lose a race. It was just unfortunate luck.”

Vitali said he’s got nothing targeted for Valid’s next start.

“We’ll see where he’s at in a couple of weeks, and then we’ll look for something,” said Vitali.