HORSE RACING: Gulfstream’s spring meet sets records for amount bet.

The spring meet was a big winner for Gulfstream Park, which posted records for the total and average betting handle despite six fewer days of racing than in the past.

The total handle for the meet was $334 million, up $22 million over 2017. Total handle on the spring meet has climbed approximately $88 million since 2015.

The average daily handle topped $6 million, at $6.312 million, for the first time since Gulfstream began running in the spring. This year’s average was up $1.012 million from 2017 and $2.1 million since 2015.

The meet concluded Saturday with the Summit of Speed, highlighted by X Y Jet’s dominant performance in winning the $250,000 Smile Sprint Stakes.

Other highlights included Stormy Embrace earning an automatic spot in the Breeders’ Cup by winning the $250,000 Princess Rooney (G2), also on Saturday, and a three-way tie for leading trainer between Todd Pletcher, Oscar Gonzalez and Victor Barboza Jr.

“We continue building and shaping Florida racing’s spring and summer meets,” said Bill Badgett, General Manager of Gulfstream Park. “We’re building a strong, year-round program with quality racing and full fields, and fans and horsemen are supporting our program. There is still more to do and much more to accomplish as we continue to combine racing with entertainment events.”

The summer phase of racing at Gulfstream began with Wednesday’s July 4 program and continues through Sept. 29, culminating with the Florida Sire Stakes. cldavis@sun-sentinel.com; Twitter @CraigDavisRuns; here on Facebook