X Y Jet brings big Beyer into Sunshine Millions Sprint
If it weren’t for the way he ran last month, X Y Jet likely would be the second choice to the millionaire Wildcat Red when the $150,000 Sunshine Millions Sprint is run Saturday at Gulfstream Park in south Florida. But the 107 Beyer Speed Figure earned by X Y Jet in winning the Grade 3 Mr. Prospector is just too big to ignore, and fans are likely to make X Y Jet the favorite in what shapes up as a two-horse race.
“The horse is doing excellent,” trainer Jorge Navarro told Gulfstream publicity this week. “I can’t ask for more. He’s ready. He’s more mature now. I can’t wait for the race.”
Emisael Jaramillo has a return call on X Y Jet, a 4-year-old assigned the advantageous outside post in a field of eight in the six-furlong Sprint. Regardless of what tactics Javier Castellano chooses aboard Wildcat Red from post 5, Jaramillo figures to never have a straw in his path.
Wildcat Red, a 5-year-old with a gaudy bankroll of $1,078,875, will be returning from a layoff of nearly four months.
“He’s very good now,” said trainer Jose Garoffalo. “We gave him the time he needed. We are ready to run. He is more focused than before and stronger, which is good for him. He grew up a lot and put on some weight.”
As the sixth of 12 Saturday races, the Sprint (post 2:35 p.m. Eastern) directly precedes the Sunshine Millions Turf Sprint, which figures to have Pure Sensation as the favorite when trying to rebound off a disappointing finish in the Breeders’ Cup.
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Pure Sensation, with John Velazquez to ride from post 5, is one of two Turf Sprint starters for noted grass conditioner Christophe Clement, who also is represented by Summation Time (post 2, Irad Ortiz Jr.). In fact, as separate wagering interests, they are the top two morning-line choices in the lineup.
Other viable players in the Turf Sprint (post 3:05) include Amelia’s Wild Ride, Jewel of a Cat, Katie’s Kiss, and Delta Bluesman.
Sunshine Millions Sprint, Race 6
KEY CONTENDERS
X Y Jet (Last 3 Beyers: 107-98-78)
◗ After winning just one of his first nine starts, this gray gelding has suddenly become a speed freak, with his 9 1/4-length win in the Mr. Prospector extending an impressive win streak to three.
Wildcat Red (Last 3 Beyers: 92-95-95)
◗ This horse has kept company with a parade of genuine sensations, led by California Chrome, Bayern, Private Zone, and Rock Fall; still, he’ll have to be on his toes to prevent X Y Jet from having it too easy out front.
C. Zee (Last 3 Beyers: 85-75-85)
◗ A wicked duel between the two favorites clearly would further his chances, as he is capable of rallying from off the pace; his four wins and three seconds from nine starts on the Gulfstream main track are worth noting.
Sunshine Millions Turf Sprint, Race 7
KEY CONTENDERS
Pure Sensation (Last 3 Beyers: 85-103-103)
◗ Off huge efforts at Saratoga and Parx, he was one of the top choices in the BC Turf Sprint at Keeneland, only to find traffic trouble while never becoming a factor; has worked extremely well in the interim at Payson Park.
Amelia’s Wild Ride (Last 3 Beyers: 77-102-99)
◗ Five furlongs on the grass is right up his alley, and given how he figures to come out firing fresh, he could take some catching once they’ve straightened away.
Jewel of a Cat (Last 3 Beyers: 90-97-82)
◗ This 6-year-old mare has won twice in as many starts since coming into the care of Carlo Vaccarezza, but the waters get deeper here as she takes on a tougher set of male rivals than what she defeated in November.