The racing world is forever on the lookout for the emergence of Thoroughbred
stars that possess the talent and charisma to attract the public’s attention to
the “Sport of Kings.”
Gulfstream Park’s $10.1 million stakes program, highlighted by the Grade 1,
$1 million Florida Derby on March 30, will produce a good number of rising stars
who will generate heightened interest during the 2012-2013 meeting.
Yet, it is fitting that the launch of the 61-race stakes program will pay
homage to the unsung hero of the racing industry — the claimer, the everyday
warrior that provides the foundation for every racetrack’s racing program. While
the racing world waits for their stars to emerge, the claiming horse provides
the uninterrupted daily action in relative anonymity.
Some of the biggest stars in Thoroughbred racing history had roots in the
claiming ranks, including the legendary Seabiscuit, who had raced in a $2,500
claiming race; two-time Horse of the Year John Henry, who had raced for a
$25,000 claiming tag; and Hall of Famer Stymie, who was claimed for $1,500 and
went on to become a multiple Grade 1 stakes winner.
The $850,000 Claiming Crown, a program of seven races for horses who have
competed at least once in claiming races, will be held for the first time at
Gulfstream Park on opening day Saturday, the first day of the 90-date meeting
that will run through April 5. More than 200 trainers throughout the country
have nominated their respective stables to the Claiming Crown to make their
claiming stock eligible for such rare lucrative opportunities.
“We’re ecstatic to play host to the 14th running of the Claiming Crown on our
opening day,” Gulfstream President Tim Ritvo said. “Horses competing in the
claiming ranks are many of the toughest in the world. They’re game and they
build loyal followings within the Thoroughbred community, whether with fans,
owners or trainers. I think this is a great opportunity for Gulfstream to help
showcase these Thoroughbreds. It’s also a great way to kick off what we believe
will be a memorable winter meeting.”
Gulfstream represents the most high profile venue that has ever staged the
Claiming Crown, which had previously been held at Canterbury Downs, Parx, Ellis
Park and, last year, Fair Grounds.
“To hold it on opening day puts it into a spotlight it’s never been in
before,” said Dan Metzger, the President of the TOBA. “The move to Gulfstream Park this season has resulted in
dramatic purse increases, as well as an expansion from five to seven races over
a year ago.
The $200,000 Jewel will anchor the program of seven stakes that carry a
minimum purse of $100,000.
The first open stakes of the 2012-2013 meeting will take place on Sunday with
the $100,000 Sunshine State, which attracted 27 nominations, with the first
graded contest, the Grade 3, $100,000 Sugar Swirl, taking place on December 8.
The meet highlights will take place in February and March, including the
Grade 1, $500,000 Donn Handicap and Grade 1, $300,000 Gulfstream Park Turf
Handicap both on February 9. The $400,000 Fountain of Youth and $250,000 Davona
Dale, a pair of Grade 2 stakes for sophomores on the Kentucky Derby and Oaks
trails, are scheduled for February 23.
The local prep for the Kentucky Derby, the Florida Derby, will share its
March 30 card with five other graded contests — the Grade 2, $300,000
Gulfstream Park Oaks as well as the $150,000 Orchid, $150,000 Rampart, $100,000
Appleton and $100,000 Skip Away, all Grade 3 events.
Gulfstream
Park
will
open
on
Saturday
with
not
only
the
Claiming
Crown,
but more
than
$1
million
in
customer-friendly
improvements,
including
a
new
25-table
restaurant
overlooking
the
walking
ring
and
32
box
suites
overlooking
the
finish
line.
“Our
customers
wanted
a
unique
dining
experience
near
our
walking
ring
that
overlooks
the
fountain
and
the
horses,”
Ritvo said.
“The
Fountain
Club
will
provide
such
a
location.
Meanwhile
the
32
boxes
facing
the
track
will
each
have
six
seats
and
will
give
our
guests
another
unique
location
to
spend
the
afternoon
watching
the
races.”
Along
with
the
new
boxes
and
Fountain
Club,
Gulfstream
has
replaced
the
roofs
on
12
barns
on
its
backstretch.
“Along
with
constantly
updating
our
main
building,
it’s
important
we
continue
updating
our
barn
area,” Ritvo
added.
“Horsemen
both
locally
and
nationally
have
been
enthusiastic
supporters
and
partners
of
Gulfstream
Park.
Our
relationship
with
the
horsemen
is
very
important
and
one
we
want
to
continue
growing.”
Gulfstream will welcome back racing fans with a pair of giveaway
promotions on opening day. Fans attending the races will receive a free calendar, featuring colorful
photographs of Gulfstream’s stars and highlighting important dates on
Gulfstream’s $10.1 million 61-race stakes schedule. Fans who purchase a program
on Saturday will also receive a commemorative pin and coupons for the
redemption of four other pins in a series that will be available on January 19,
February 9, February 23 and Florida Derby Day, March 30. A case to hold all five pins
will also be given to those fans who purchase a program on opening day.
On Sunday, fans who purchase a seat at Ten Palms, Silks or the
grandstand will receive a Gulfstream Park Polo Shirt. Subsequent Polo Shirt
giveaways are scheduled for January 26 and March 30. Other scheduled giveaways include:
gym bag (December 22), money clip or key chain bottle opener (December 30), bottle opener
(January 1), anniversary hat (February 9) and Pilsner glass (March 9).
The week of January 12 will feature a number of events, many tied to charity,
that will culminate in the afternoon with the $1.3 million Florida Sunshine
Millions and that evening’s 42nd annual Eclipse Awards.
Gulfstream Park will kick off its meet Saturday with Breakfast at Gulfstream,
a family-friendly event that once again allows the public to attend Saturday
morning workouts while enjoying a breakfast buffet trackside and meeting special
guests.
Sandy Bruno, a former assistant to legendary Hall of Fame trainer Woody
Stephens and currently assistant to Phil Gleaves, will host the popular
breakfasts each Saturday morning. Bruno will kick off the Saturday morning
series with jockey Joe Bravo and Collmus as her special guests.
Breakfast at Gulfstream runs from 7-10 a.m. (EST). Anyone purchasing a buffet
will get a Breakfast at Gulfstream T-shirt and the opportunity to take a tour
through Gulfstream’s barn area with Bruno.
Christina Bossinakis and John DeSantis will serve as hosts and analysts for
the 2012-2013 Gulfstream. In addition to handicapping Gulfstream’s daily races,
Bossinakis and DeSantis will co-host ‘Gulfstream Today,’ before every live
program and will host a special ‘Gulfstream Today’ each Saturday morning with a
special guest. Bossinakis and DeSantis will also have their daily picks
distributed free each day along with popular South Florida analyst Ron Nicoletti
as part of the Gulfstream Handicapper. Brian Skirka will also join Bossinakis
and DeSantis with live reports from the walking ring.
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