Royal Posse passes $1M with Crown win

HALLANDALE — Royal Posse, called an ATM machine by his trainer, Rudy Rodriguez, cashed out his millionth dollar and then some Saturday at Gulfstream.

Claimed for $20,000 in May 2015, Royal Posse went into the $200,00 Claiming Crown Jewel with earnings of just over $900,000 and pushed past the $1 million mark in winning the nominal feature of the nine-stakes day for the second consecutive year.

It wasn’t easy for a horse bet down to 3-5 favoritism off three consecutive stakes victories up north. Luis Saez saved ground in fourth on the rail during the early stages and down the backstretch and Royal Posse appeared to be spinning his wheels as the field approached the far turn. In mid-turn, he dropped back to fifth. But as soon as Saez got him off the inside he began to pick up horses.

He didn’t push past Diamond Bachelor, who had taken the lead in midstretch, until a few strides from the wire. His final margin, a half-length, was deceptive. Royal Posse completed nine furlongs in 1:49.84. John Jones picked up the show money.

Rodriguez said once he saw Royal Posse get outside, he wasn’t worried, a feeling probably not shared by the fans, who made him an overwhelming favorite. “He’s a grinder. He likes to be outside and just grind away.”

Royal Posse, a New York bred, is unlikely to be seen again in South Florida, according to Rodriguez, who is based in New York. “We’re going home.”

The Claiming Crown must have seemed like an easy game for fans early on the card as horses bet down to favoritism won the first two events. Spectacular Me, ridden by Jose Ortiz, closed late to take the Distaff Dash at 9-5 and Shaft of Life with Emisael Jaramillo aboard led all the way as the 7-5 choice in the Rapid Transit.

The Glass Slipper brought favorite players back to reality. Tormenta de Oro, dismissed at almost 45-1, charged from the back of the pack between horses to win a three-horse photo under Luca Panici.

This produced an interesting sidelight for Southeastern Conference fans. Spectacular Me was bred by the University of Kentucky and Tormenta de Oro was bred by the University of Florida.

Jaramillo doubled up in the Express, giving Defer Heaven, another favorite, a perfect ride. The 2-1 shot sat behind dueling leaders then made his move at the top of the stretch and drew away.

Post position played a role in the Iron Horse. Chepstow, with Edgar Zayas, took advantage of the ground-saving No. 1 slot to come back late and out game Good time had by all, who had to be hard used from the 14 post to gain early position. The first two finishers were both 3-1, but Good time had by all was a slight favorite.

Super Spender, eighth at the top of the stretch, found a seam between horses under Nik Juarez to capture the Canterbury at 5-1.

Maryland shipper Marabea, who had only two of 13 rivals beaten down the backstretch and was still ninth at the top of the stretch, launched a furious rally down the center of the track to get up in the final strides to take the Tiara under Jose Lezcano.

Marabea, sent off at 5-1, is trained by Lacey Gaudet, older sister of Gulfstream analyst Gabby Gaudet. “Older but not wiser,” said Gabby who got to interview her sister in the winner’s circle.

It took until the day’s final race, the Emerald, for owner Ken Ramsey to make good on his boast that he would win one of the day’s stakes. His Keystone for victory was on the pace all the way and held on grimly to win by a neck over Flashy Chelsey, giving Jose Ortiz his third win of the day.

It was the 15th Claiming Crown victory for all-time leader Ramsey, who got off to a fast start toward winning his sixth consecutive Gulfstream owners’ championship. He also won the season opener with Gentle Kitten.