Trickmeister makes impressive comeback in Harlan's Holiday

Last updated: 12/17/11 6:23 PM

Trickmeister was much the best despite an exstensive layoff
(Adam Coglianese Photography)

Trickmeister enjoyed a perfect return from a 16-month layoff Saturday
at Gulfstream Park to run his undefeated string to five races in the $60,000
Harlan’s Holiday Stakes.

Showing no rust or ill effects from a serious of injuries that forced him out
of action for so long, Trickmeister had a stress-free trip during an impressive
front-running performance under jockey Javier Castellano, who also enjoyed a
banner day at Gulfstream with five winning rides on the card.

“He showed us what we were hoping to see. We weren’t looking to put on a
show, just to go out there and do it the right way,” said trainer Rick Dutrow
following the 3-5 favorite’s 5 1/4-length triumph. “I think he’s come back
solid like his issues are behind him. He’s got a ton of talent.”

The son of Proud Citizen, who had gone unraced since winning the Pleasant
Colony Stakes at Saratoga by more than 11 lengths on August 27, 2010, is
expected to race next in the Grade 1 Donn Handicap on February 11.

The four-year-old colt sprinted to the early lead under a snug hold by
Castellano, never to be challenged throughout the running of the 1 1/16-mile
stakes. While posting uncontested fractions of :23 4/5, :47, 1:11 and 1:35 4/5,
Trickmeister was always at least two lengths clear of his five rivals on his way
to a 1:42 3/5 clocking.

“He was really impressive today. He was coming off a long layoff and this was
the first time I’ve ever ridden him. He did everything really professionally,”
Castellano said. “He broke sharp and just cruised on the lead. I have to give
all the credit to Rick Dutrow. This horse was 100 percent fit to go a mile and a
sixteenth off over a year layoff.”

Our Dark Knight finished second a half-length ahead of Sky Venture. Duke of
Mischief, the 5-2 second choice ridden by Joe Bravo, faded to fifth after making
a wide move on the far turn.

“I guess the old school saying is a race is like five or 10 workouts. He went
for the win today around the far turn but the old guy got a little tired,” Bravo
said. “He hasn’t run in a while and he’s such a big animal. I’ll tell you what,
though, I can’t wait for his next one.”

Trickmeister’s victory was worth $36,000 for his owners, Pegasus Holding
Group and IEAH Stable, and capped his jockey’s five-win day.

“It’s unbelievable. Florida is like my home. This is where I started. It
would mean so much to me if I could be leading rider here,” said Castellano, who
has a meet-leading 18 trips to the winner’s circle. ” I’ve been getting a lot of
support from Todd Pletcher and Chad Brown. Hopefully, there will be more days
like this.”