Horse Racing FLA

       Horses to Watch: Debut Edition
Horses to Watch is a new and regular HorseRacingFLA feature


Some of our “Watch” horses are coming off recent wins at Gulfstream Park or at Tampa Bay Downs and appear to be candidates for repeat wins.  Others had a recent race with a troubled trip and could be ready for a big effort next time out. We will report on when these horses will race again, and then report their results.

We will post Horses to watch in the news section of our Web site and in the Hoses to Watch section and in our blog, which can both be accessed on the menu bar at the top of the home page of this Web site

Gulfstream Park – Jim Freer
Heavenhasmynikki is the Ohio-bred filly that Ron Paolucci of Loooch Racing Stables wanted to make her career first start in a Breeders’ Cup race.

That was the Juvenile Fillies Turf last Nov. 4 at Del Mar. One week prior to the race, Breeders’ Cup stewards said “no,” citing the filly’s lack of experience.

So, the high-profile Paolucci turned to option two—a six-furlong MSW dirt race for Ohio-breeds on Oct. 31 at Mahoning Valley. She was sent off at 3-10 in the nine-horse field and won by 5 ¼ lengths in the day’s third race.  She earned a Brisket Speed Figure of 81—solid for a 2-year-old.

For a second start, Paolucci and trainer Anthony Quartarolo put  Heavenhasmynikki in a 6-furlong S75,000 optional  claimer at Gulfstream on Jan. 15.

It was the third race, with several horses that had run in stakes.

With Tyler Gaffalione riding, Heavenhasmynikki taced on the inside in the  stretch  and edged favored Toni Ann’s Miracle by a head.  At 3-1, she won in 1:10.81and earned a 92  Brisnet  figure
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The  third start for Heavenhasmynkki  will be this Saturday’s Forward Gal (Grade 2) at seven furlongs on  dirt at Gulfstream. She is 6-1 in the morning liner in an eight-horse field, and has displayed a stalking style that could prove to her benefit.

Luis Saez, who leads Gulfstream jockeys, in wins, will ride Heavenhasmynikki. Gaffalione is staying with 9=5 morning line favorite  Miss Mo Mentum, trained by Mark Casse.


On Dec. 9 at  Gulfstream  Miss Mo Mentum won by 10 1/4 
lengths in the Hut Hut Stakes. That  one mile race for Florida-breds was run on the dirt listed as sloppy.  Clear skies are in the forecast for Saturday.

*Paden overcame a pile of trouble to finish second in a 14-horse field in the 12^th race this past Sunday, Jan, 28, at\ Gulfstream.

That otherwise non-descript $6,250 claimer as noteworthy in that it was the final race in the Rainbow 6 on a day when the carryover and the day’s bet created a poll of almost $16 million.

Paden was the 9-2 second choice.  He reared in the air at the start and was near the back of the pack until thr turn in the 6 ½ furlong dirt race.

The son of Cowboy Cal, began passing horses under Gaffalione. He continued his surge, even though Gaffalione lost his whip near the top of the stretch.

Paden finished second—1 ¼ lengths behind 36-1 shot Forest Gator who had been loose on the lead.

Paden trained by Michael Maker, likely  will be well-backed in  his next start especially if it is at $$6,250. 

Even though the return might not be high, he could be a good Win prospect. And he should be a key horse in exacta ad 
trifecta handicapping.
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 Tampa Bay Downs --  By Bob Bauer
 Jo Jo’s Dream from the potent RalpZadie outfit (25% winners in Tampa) had a bad start and was last in a field of ten at the break, in Race 10 at Tampa on Jan. 27.

The five-year-old gelding then had to race from off the pace and really had no chance, and finished eighth at one mile on turf. This one has run his best races when able to get involved in the pace early, although he has won before without an early lead.

He was sent off (third choice) at 4-1 and clearly fits with $16,000 claimers. Might be really dangerous if he finds a field lacking early speed rivals.

Twin Channel gave a good account of herself in her debut in Race 6 at Tampa on Jan. 26.

This sophomore miss went in the gate at 42-1 under veteran Scott Spieth and led the field of ten fillies on a merry chase, getting caught near the wire by the highly regarded favorite, Scat Gal, and finishing second by a half length in the  1 1/16 mile turf race.

Trainer Stephen Lyster had Twin Channel     ready and with expected improvement this lass shouldn’t be a Maiden for long. She is bred up and down for grass, being the daughter of English Channel out of a Galileo  mare.