Hallandale, FL–The Gulfstream Park backstretch on Thursday morning was not for the faint of heart. After a healthy dose of rain in addition to a transient cold snap, the going was less-than-welcoming to both horse and human alike. However, one wasn't likely to hear anybody complain about it. With temperatures falling dreadfully low in the Northeast (think single digits) and snow crippling much of the South causing countless travel delays, temps in the 50s and some rain didn't really seem like a big deal in the bigger scheme of things.
Kenny McPeek, who will saddle reigning GI Kentucky Derby hero Mystik Dan (Goldencents) in Saturday's GI Pegasus World Cup, was conspicuously absent from the Gulfstream backstretch Thursday morning after being waylaid in New Orleans and forced to make the drive from the Fair Grounds to Gulfstream after a historic snowstorm pummeled the region.
On the opposite end of the wheel of fortune, however, Phil D'Amato appears to be riding a wave of luck. And not simply because he got the jump on the problematic weather either. Represented by Stronghold (Ghostzapper) in Gulfstream's feature race for older horses, the California-based trainer counts himself among the fortunate California residents that were not directly affected by the wildfires raging through his home state.
“We have been very lucky,” D'Amato told TDN Thursday morning. “The fires came down to my fence line. But with the help of the great firefighters, they were able to stop it and save my whole block. There are definitely people there that are not as fortunate. A lot of people lost houses and they really didn't have time to get their belongings. It's heartbreaking and hopefully they can build back better and stronger.”
Trying to win one for the beleaguered home team, last year's GI Santa Anita Derby and GIII Sunland Derby winner hasn't visited the winner's circle since those efforts, but has been knocking on the door. Off the board in seventh in the Kentucky Derby, the bay was runner up in the GIII Indiana Derby in July before finishing 3 1/2 lengths behind winner Seize the Grey (Arrogate) in the GI Pennsylvania Derby at Parx in September.
“When I look at him, I see a very consistent horse,” said D'Amato.” Other than the Derby, he hasn't been worse than second in his races and he always tries. In Pennsylvania, he was parked seven wide the whole way when he didn't want to be on that track and I thought he ran a really game race. We brought him back to California thinking maybe we would run him in the Breeders' Cup [in early November], but it was his third ship last year and he needed a little extra time to bounce back.”
Cutting back to seven-eighths for his most recent start, he was second behind sprint specialist Raging Torrent (Maximus Mischief) in the Dec. 26 GI Malibu Stakes at Santa Anita.
“I think that [the time off] helped him out going into the Malibu,” explained D'Amato. “I thought he ran a really good second, career-high speed figure, and he came out of the race like it was a workout. We weren't really planning on coming here but he bounced out of [the Malibu] so well that I thought it might be an opportune time to take a shot at a $3-million purse.”
Despite not being part of the initial plan to run in the Pegasus, D'Amato explained that the Kentucky-bred colt has overcome every obstacle thrown at him with aplomb, instilling the trainer with a cool confidence heading into Saturday's lucrative race.
“It was a long ship, they had to go to Memphis and there was a 4-hour layover there. Luckily, he handled it very well and I haven't missed a beat with him, training wise,” he confirmed.
The colt put in a no-frills maintenance gallop just after 8 a.m. Thursday, and according to D'Amato, is expected to do the same Friday.
“He trained every day since he's been [at Gulfstream] and we got some nice gallops in so we're right on schedule with him.”
A winner from a mile to nine furlongs, D'Amato believes the nine-furlong Pegasus distance should suit Stronghold just fine.
“He won the Santa Anita Derby at a mile and an eighth before so I don't think the distance will be a problem. That's probably as far as he wants to go, but we drew a really good post [6],” he said. “He is always really good out of the gate, so he should get a real tactical position and it looks like there is some pace in there. I am thinking we will see a stalk-and-pounce scenario.”
And while everything seems to be lining up just right for the California shipper, D'Amato notes that all the rain that has plagued South Florida this week remains a concern, albeit minor, come Saturday.
“A heavy, deep track is really not to his liking,” he admitted. “I think he prefers it faster, because he's more of a top-of-the-ground mover. But it's been sealed off and on, and the big days tend to have a track that is nice and fast, so I am hoping he gets that Saturday.”
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