We're All Set survives late challenge in Sea of Grass

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Trainer Peter Walder said before Sunday’s $75,000 Sea of Grass Stakes that the race was all about the trip. And in the end it was his We’re All Set who tripped out best, the former claimer rallying from between horses to a half-length decision over hard luck favorite Yourdreamsormine in the 6 1/2 furlong overnight stakes at Gulfstream Park.

We’re All Set, haltered by Walder for $25,000 here 15 months earlier, was reserved by jockey Rafael Hernandez a couple of lengths off the early pace of Abounding Legacy, split horses to gain a short advantage near mid-stretch, then held off a final surge from Yourdreamsormine. The latter broke from the rail and was shuffled back during the early stages while racing near the inside. Yourdreamsormine had to be steadied sharply while full of run awaiting clearance in early stretch, rallying willingly once securing racing room only to fall a half length shy of the winner. He finished a similar margin in front of Abounding Legacy, who succumbed grudgingly once relinquishing the lead.

We’re All Set, a 5-year-old son of With Distinction, completed the distance over a fast track in 1:16.33 and paid $13.20.

“I said in the paddock you can run this race five times and you’ll get five different winners, that it is all about the trip and who tripped out today,” Walder said.

“And today it was us. I told Rafael we could go to the lead, but his better races are when he stalks, so that was the plan. He’s got a big heart and he finishes. It’s always nice when you can claim a horse for a quarter, go through all their conditions, win a couple of allowance races, and now a stakes.”