Favorite Taghleeb wins $100,000 Jerkens Stakes

HALLANDALE BEACH — It’s only fitting that Gulfstream Park ushered out the year with a long race.

In a race that looked a nightmare to handicap, the public got it right as favorite Taghleeb won the 2-mile $100,000 H. Allen Jerkens Stakes. The feature on the New Year’s Eve card, Taghleeb was sent away at 5-2 in the two-lap turf race.

With Tyler Gaffalione in the irons, Taghleeb ran in a pack behind pacesetter Applicator through the first 1 1/2 miles. As is the case in most turf races, the field bunched in the far turn, but the distance of ground sapped most of the field heading into the stretch. Only Taghleeb and Montclair had the reserve to make a formidable run, and Taghleeb had the most as he drew away to a 1 3/4-length win.

Trained by Mike Maker, Taghleeb set a new track record of 3:22.20 seconds. Montclair and Hunter O’Reilly finished in order behind. Maker, who took over conditioning duties on Taghleeb in July, said he felt confident the horse could get the distance.

“Just the way he has trained all along,” Maker said. “And in every race he has seemed up for more ground.”

Maker said that the W.L., McKnight Handicap on Jan. 28 at Gulfstream or the John Connally Turf Cup at Sam Houston Park Mike Maker, the following day are likely landing spots for Taghleeb’s next race.

The Jerkens was one of four turf stakes contested at Gulfstream Saturday. Under Joe Bravo, Giant Run sat just behind leaders Franklin Towers, Mighty Mo and Two Step Time, then swooped wide of the trio out of the final turn to go on to victory in the 1 1/16-mile $75,000 Tropical Park Derby.

Giant Run won in a time of 1:40.02. Favorite Oscar Nominated finished 1 1/2-lengths back and Two Step Time held on for show money.

The companion race for fillies, the $75,000 Tropical Park Oaks, saw Gypsy Eyes set the pace throughout only to be overtaken by Ultra Brat who would go on to win by a length in 1:41.23. Shaan nosed out Try Your Luck in a photo finish for place.

Sent away at 24-1, Paige won by a half-length in the $75,000 Via Borghese Stakes. Ridden by Paco Lopez, Paige saved ground early and punched through on the rail to take the 1 3/16-mile stakes in 1:54.23. Trainer Christophe Clement took the top two spots as Desiree Clary slotted in for place ahead of Flipcup.