Race of the Week Recap: Race No. 8 at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 16

by Bodog Racebook | Feb 22 2011

Bodog's Race of the Week was Race No. 8 at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 16. A 1 1/8 mile race on the turf for 3-year-olds, this allowance optional claimer had a purse of $51,500.

At the start, it was Disfraz, with Julien Leparoux aboard, out of the gate first but that lead was short-lived. John Velazquez, piloting Ari C, took his mount to the front in front of Disfraz by half a length at the first point of call, followed by a rank Dr. Tom G in third by a head. Crimson China, ridden by Rajiv Maragh, was seventh early on while Film Making, under Jose Lezcano, trailed the field. At the second point of call, Ari C’s lead had increased to one length and second place had changed hands, with Disfraz relinquishing it to Relampago, who had recovered from a slow break. And Crimson China continued to race comfortably in seventh place. Into the stretch, Ari C was still hanging on to the lead while Disfraz re-rallied for second. Film Making made a huge move to go from 10th to third with a burst of speed along the rail. And Crimson China, taking a wide path into the stretch was moving well and gaining ground. At the finish, it was Crimson China triumphing by half a length over a weakening Ari C;  Disfraz managed to hold off Film Making for the show and just missed runner-up.

Rounding out the order of finish: Old Master Expert, Aussi Austin, Schoolyard Cat, Relampago, Suntracer and Dr. Tom G.

Crimson China, a son of Giant’s Causeway, finished the race in 1:46.80 and earned $24,300 for the win for owners Team Valor International. Trained by Graham Motion, Crimson China has his first win of the year. His race record improves to 3-2-1-0 and his earnings increase to $28,838.

Ari C, meanwhile, earned $8,100 for the place for owners Zayat Stables. The Todd Pletcher trainee is a son of Stormy Atlantic and has earned $31,200 from two starts; he is a career 1-1-0.

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