GULFSTREAM Mott mulls plans for Elate, Blamed

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott is mulling plans for a couple of potential major contenders in the 2019 filly-mare division.

Elate, unraced since finishing second in her memorable duel with Abel Tasman in the Grade 1 Personal Ensign at Saratoga in late August, has been galloping daily at Mott’s main winter base, Payson Park. The 5-year-old mare ran just twice last year, when compromised by nagging ailments. Mott is making the Grade 1 Apple Blossom on April 14 at Oaklawn Park the tentative early-season goal, although “last year, she was a little tough to get back, so I’m not making any plans,” he said.

“I want to get her ready first,” he said.

Blamed, a winner in six of eight career starts, won the Grade 3 Comely on Nov. 23 at Aqueduct in her most recent start. Mott said the 4-year-old filly likely will run next in the Jan. 26 Hurricane Bertie on the Pegasus undercard at Gulfstream or the Grade 3 Houston Ladies Classic at Sam Houston the following day.

Another record handle

Gulfstream officials reported this week that all-sources handle on live racing during 2018 was more than $1.75 billion, an increase of 7 percent over 2017 and another annual record for the track, which began shifting toward year-round racing in 2013.

Racing at Gulfstream West in October and November is included in the handle figure.

The largest handle dates in 2018 were Florida Derby Day ($49.9 million, an all-time track record) and Pegasus Day ($41 million).

Reyes OK after spill

Jockey Leonel Reyes was examined and released Thursday afternoon at nearby Aventura Hospital after being thrown to the dirt when his mount, Sir Senescal, broke down in the third race. Reyes was expected to return Saturday after taking off all mounts Friday. Sir Senescal, a 4-yearold colt trained by Oscar Gonzalez, was euthanized.

The seven-furlong maiden race was won by the Bill Motttrained Botero, who finished three lengths ahead of oddson favorite Personal Time, a 4-year-old full brother to the 2013 Kentucky Derby winner, Orb.

Reyes, a native of Venezuela, enjoyed his best year in the U.S. in 2018, with mount earnings of nearly $2.7 million.

Two turf stakes ahead

Older turf horses will be featured here when two Grade 3 events are run Saturday.

The $150,000 Marshua’s River, for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles, drew 21 nominations, led by Capla Temptress, Hawksmoor, and La Signare. Its open counterpart, the $100,000 Tropical Turf at a mile, has Heart to Heart and Divisidero as obvious standouts among 17 nominees. Entries for both stakes will be drawn Wednesday.

O’Connell grieves for her mom

Just three months after her father, Joseph, died at age 93, trainer Kathleen O’Connell lost her mother on Wednesday. Funeral services were held Friday for Arlene O’Connell, 90, in Grand Ledge, Mich.

O’Connell said she hoped to return to Gulfstream some time over the weekend.

Shakhimat in Sunday feature

Shakhimat, a two-time graded stakes winner, looks like the class of the Sunday feature, in which he is entered for a rare claiming tag. The $52,000 secondlevel turf route with a $62,500 claiming option goes as the 10th of 11 races on a card that starts at noon Eastern.

After Sunday, Gulfstream goes dark for two days before another five-day week resumes Wednesday.

Gulf horses to weigh in

In line with an ongoing practice at its sister track Santa Anita, Gulfstream will weigh horses prior to every race, according to daily notices on the Gulfstream overnight sheets. Management at track owner the Stronach Group intends to institute the new measure as an additional tool for handicappers.