Kukulkan looks to stay unbeaten
Gulfstream to host ‘Kentucky Derby of Latin America’
Thoroughbred racing fans who have never been to an international soccer match can get a taste of what that is like Saturday at Gulfstream Park. The Clasico Internacional del Caribe again will be staged at the Hallandale Beach track.
The series of five stakes races for outstanding horses from nine nations in the Caribbean and South America was held outside that region for the first time a year ago. In addition to competitive racing, the day was a festival of good-natured nationalistic pride. Flags were waved; T-shirts and hats displaying national colors were all over the track, as were painted faces. Chants were heard and horses carrying regional hopes were cheered in the walking ring and post parade, and even more raucously if and when they made the winner’s circle.
The Clasico visit was supposed to be a one-shot deal. However, it was such a gala day, Gulfstream officials quickly opened negotiations for an encore.
Most of the horses competing are unfamiliar to South Florida fans, but there will be talent on display. The $300,000 Clasico del Caribe, called “the Kentucky Derby of Latin America,” is headed by undefeated 3-year-old colt Kukulkan, winner of all 13 career starts, including the Derby Mexicano.
Kukulkan’s stablemate from the Quadra San Jorge Stable, the filly Jala Jala, might be remembered locally. A year ago she swept to a nine-length romp over a mixed-gender field in the Clasico del Caribe. Now a 4-year-old, she returns on a four-race winning streak as the favorite in the open Copa Confraternidad. She is bidding to become the first filly to win the two big races.
Fausto Gutierrez, trainer of both favorites, is optimistic. Kukulkan is such a standout on form he has been established as the 3-5 morning line favorite. Jala Jala, according to Gutierrez, is doing as well this year as she was in 2017 and has the benefit of a winning race over the Gulfstream strip.
In addition to the five Clasico races, there will be six $75,000 stakes, spread between the turf and main course, for American-based horses.
First post has been advanced to 11:50 a.m. Admission and general parking are free.