Handle Up as Gulfstream Meet Kicks off with Claiming Crown

[Wandering Eyes]

Total handle on Gulfstream Park’s opening day 11-race program was $13.612 million, increasing over the previous Claiming Crown record set last year of $11.925 million. Handle on the Claiming Crown has grown every year since the Hallandale oval launched the event in 2012.

“We’re extremely pleased with Opening Day,” said Gulfstream General Manager Bill Badgett. “We received a lot of compliments about the improvements at our facility and we witnessed some memorable performances on track from our equine and human athletes. We want to thank our fans and horsemen for supporting Gulfstream and the Claiming Crown program. We’re looking forward to the rest of our Championship Meet and next week’s incredible big Clasico Internacional del Caribe (Dec. 8).”

Trainer Jorge Navarro annexed a trio of Claiming Crown races–Aztec Sense (Street Sense) in the Jewel, Misschief Maas (Yes Its Legal) in the Glass Slipper and Salsa’s Return (Olmodavor) in the Iron Horse.

“Amazing day,” Navarro said. “I told my wife if we can win three races today it’s a touchdown.”

Jockey Chris Landeros got the Championship Meet off to a good start as well, winning the Glass Slipper aboard Misschief Mass, the Canterbury with Rocket Heat (Latent Heat), and the first race of the meet on Solar Kitten.

“It’s special because it’s so tough here,” he said. “You’ve got to come here prepared mentally and be ready. I’m looking forward to the meet and I’m very excited.”

Also among Claiming Crown winners Saturday afternoon: Oxford Comma (Majesticperfection) in the Distaff Dash; Uncle B (Zensational) in the Emerald; and Tiara scorer Peru (GB) (Motivator {GB}), who gave Ken and Sarah Ramsey their 16th Claiming Crown, while trainer Mike Maker was collecting his record 17th win in the series.

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