Handle Rises in Gulfstream’s Clasico

[Wandering Eyes]

Total handle on the Clasico Internacional del Caribe program at Gulfstream Park Saturday was $9.617 million, increasing from last year’s $8.822 million. The five stakes series was worth more than $700,000 in purses as part of the Clasico Internacional del Caribe, Latin America and the Caribbean’s premier Thoroughbred event hosted by Gulfstream for the second consecutive year. Saturday’s Clasico was highlighted by undefeated Kukulkan (Mex) (Point Determined), who won the $300,000 Clasico del Caribe (Caribbean Classic) and Jala Jala (Mex) (Point Determined), last year’s Clasico winner, becoming the first filly to also win the $100,000 Copa Confraternidad (Confraternity Carribean Cup). Trainer Fausto Gutierrez and Irad Ortiz Jr. partnered on both wins.
“Once again, the atmosphere surrounding Clasico was incredible,” said Gulfstream General Manager Bill Badgett. “There was such a great energy surrounding the races and the entertainment. We witnessed great performances on the track and saw what incredible and passionate fans this sport has around the world. We look forward to seeing our friends again from the Confederation of Caribbean Racetracks.”

Triple Threat…
Mexico’s Triple Crown champion Kukulkan extended his career undefeated streak to 14 in a row Saturday with a 10 ¼-length triumph in the Carribean Classic, providing jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. with his third winner in the five-race Clasico Internacional del Caribe series. Ortiz, who also rode three winners during last year’s event, repeated the feat with victories aboard Kukulkan and Jala Jala, in addition to Puerto Rico’s Mishegas (Include), who took the Copa Invitacional (Invitational Cup). The 5-year-old gelding is trained by Jose Velez.
“It’s great. I’m so happy to represent my country and Mexico too,” said Ortiz, a Puerto Rico native who is among the top candidates for this Year’s Eclipse Award as North America’s outstanding jockey. “It’s a pleasure to ride these kind of horses.”
Trainer Fausto Gutierrez, who also enjoyed a banner day with winners Kukulkan and Jala Jala.
Of the former, he said, “This is like a dream because [Kukulkan] has a lot of quality. We spoke a few days ago about the capacity he has. This horse has a lot of stamina and he won very easy today. He ran not in his normal style or as he has before. Irad took him and relaxed and relaxed and when he decided to go, the horse went easily. He’s a very professional horse, his attitude in the paddock and with everyone in the stands. He’s a real racehorse. To make history and win two back to back with these horses is a dream.”
Kukulkan had notched five Group 1 victories, including all three legs of the Mexico Triple Crown, at Hipodromo de Las Americas in Mexico City. Cuadra San Jorge’s homebred colt won his last four races by 38 ½ lengths prior to winning Saturday’s Clasico.
Mexican star filly Jala Jala made history Saturday at Gulfstream Park, saving ground early before drawing off to an impressive 4 ¾-length triumph in the Copa Confraternidad. The victory, coupled with her nine-length romp in the Clasico del Caribe last December, made Cuadra San Jorge’s Jala Jala the first filly ever to sweep the Clasico Internacional del Caribe’s premier races for 3-year-olds and older horses, beating males on both occasions.
“I think this is amazing, because she is the first filly to win these two races and especially in the form she won in,” explained Gutierrez. “She won very clear and made history in this race.”
Other Clasico winners on the card; Brigantia (Pan) (Concerto) bested Mexican filly Triple Crown winner Kutzamala (Mex) (Point Determined) in the Copa Dama del Caribe (Lady Carribean Cup) for 3-year-old fillies; and Big Boris One (Ven) (Jupiter Pluvius) remained undefeated with three-quarter length score over Magno (Mex) (More Than Regal) in the Copa Velocidad del Caribe (Carribean Cup Speed).

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