In a potentially informative entry-level allowance for three-year-olds,
Darley Stable’s CROSSBOW (Bernardini) outdueled a stubborn Sovereign Default
(Northern Afleet) in Saturday’s
5TH
race at Gulfstream Park. The two impressive maiden winners dominated in the
wagering as well, with Crossbow the slight even-money favorite over the 6-5
Sovereign Default, and the margin of victory on the track wasn’t that much
larger.
Crossbow had a recency advantage, having scored by three lengths in
front-running fashion at Aqueduct on January 2. In contrast, Sovereign Default
hadn’t raced since his successful debut at Belmont Park on July 15.
Sovereign Default grabbed a slim early lead from the rail, but Crossbow was
already lapped onto him, and the stage was set for a protracted battle. The two
alternated for the lead through fractions of :23 and :45 2/5, by which time
Chateau D’ Kim (Yes It’s True) moved up between them. His attempt to break up
the match race was short-lived, for he could not go on with the top two.
Crossbow, who appeared to be traveling more easily than Sovereign Default
turning for home, began to inch clear at the six-furlong mark in 1:09 2/5.
Sovereign Default was all heart on the inside, however, and he kept fighting
back. For his part, Crossbow kept responding. Never relinquishing his hard-won
advantage in the stretch, Crossbow finally pulled away by three-quarters of a
length.
With John Velazquez aboard, the Kiaran McLaughlin trainee completed seven
furlongs in 1:22 4/5 on the fast track, paying $4.20, $2.40 and $2.10. Sovereign
Default crossed the wire a clear second by 2 1/4 lengths in a commendable
effort. Chateau D’ Kim garnered third in the scratch-reduced field of five.
Crossbow boosted his bankroll to $55,000 from his 3-2-0-1 record. The bay was
burned up in a pace duel in his debut at Aqueduct on November 27, where he tired
to third. He rebounded in style last time out on the inner track, and in the
process, earned his way to the higher-profile Florida division.
Originally part of the Stonerside Stable bloodstock purchased by Sheikh
Mohammed’s Darley, the Kentucky-bred is out of multiple Grade 3 heroine Forest
Heiress (Forest Wildcat). She is also responsible for the Canadian stakes-placed
Forest Prince (Mineshaft) and a pair of youngsters by Street Cry (Ire), a
juvenile filly named Sylvan Song and a yearling filly. Forest Heiress is herself
a full sister to Grade 1 star and up-and-coming young sire Wildcat Heir as well
as multiple stakes scorer Forest Heir.
Crossbow hails from the family of Preakness S. (G1) hero Louis Quatorze
(Sovereign Dancer), current Hollywood Gold Cup (G1) winner Awesome Gem (Awesome
Again) and multiple Grade 2 queen J J’sdream (Glitterman). Further back,
Crossbow’s fifth dam is Stavroula (*Nasrullah), a full sister to Hall of Famer
and noted sire Nashua.