Velasquez, Defying Gravity are perfect combo
Salt and pepper, Lennon and McCartney, etc., etc. ... Add Cornelio Velasquez and Defying Gravity to the list of things that go well together. Since Velasquez took over as her regular rider, Defying Gravity has reeled off five straight wins at Gulfstream Park.
If she stays in the zone, she is the likely winner of an optional $16,000 claiming race for Florida-bred fillies and mares that will serve as the featured race at Gulfstream on Sunday. The one-mile turf race drew nine horses, not including Flash Jak and Untrue, who will start only if the race gets moved to the main track.
Trained by Jose Pinchin, Defying Gravity began her winning streak, all on turf, in her second start this year in a one-mile, $10,000 claiming race June 5, when she was the odds-on favorite. She paid decent prices in her next three scores before going off as the 6-5 choice in a $16,000 starter optional-claiming race in her last start Aug. 24. She was coming off a win at the same level on July 29, so it wasn’t surprising that she paid only $4.20 for her 1 1/4-length tally over Wild About Jess.
The versatile 5-year-old is capable of stalking or rallying from well back. She drew post 5, and with Reagan’s Odyssey appearing to be the only real speed in the field, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Velasquez have her within striking range early.
Sumfloridasunfun is a bit of a mystery, but if she can build on her blowout win going 7 1/2 furlongs on the grass in a $16,000 claiming race restricted to nonwinners of two in her last start, she could pull off another upset.
Trained by William Deaton, Sumfloridasunfun paid $67 and earned an 80 Beyer Speed Figure for her easy win Aug. 20, and it wasn’t surprising that she was such a big price. In her previous start in a $16,000 maiden-claiming race at Tampa Bay Downs on May 6, she received a then-career-best 49 Beyer for her all-out win in the one-mile turf race.
KEY CONTENDERS
Defying Gravity, by Wildcat Heir
Last 3 Beyers: 83-82-78
◗ She looks like a standout, and considering that she worked a sharp four furlongs in 47.80 seconds Sept. 10, she appears to be primed for another big effort.
Sumfloridasunfun, by General Quarters
Last 3 Beyers: 80-49-43
◗ Along with Defying Gravity, she is the only horse in the field with a Beyer in the 80s, and as a lightly raced 3-year-old, she has a right to improve.
Reagan’s Odyssey, by Kantharos
Last 3 Beyers: 76-75-75
◗ Trained by Allan Hunter Jr., she should have an easy time clearing early. The bad news is she hasn’t been able to hold off Defying Gravity in her last two starts.