BY BROCK SHERIDAN
Virginia Gamble’s Beth’s Dream won her fourth consecutive race Saturday at Gulfstream Park with a demonstrative effort as the odds-on favorite in the $100,000 Sheer Drama for fillies and mares at seven furlongs. The 6-year-old Florida-bred daughter of Jess’s Dream won by four lengths ahead of Florida-bred graded stakes-winner Maryquitecontrary in second with Florida-bred stakes-winner Charlie’s Wish third.
All three mares earned their share of a $20,000 Florida-bred bonus presented by the Florida Breeders’ and Owners’ Association.
Trained by Victor Barboza Jr. and ridden by Emisael Jaramillo, Beth’s Dream battled for the lead outside longshots Imonra and Sophia’s Storm coming out of the backside chute. After a reasonable quarter-mile split in :22.93, Beth’s Dream took sole position of the lead around the far turn with Imonra a length back in second as Charlie’s Wish moved into third just off her right hip.
Beth’s Dream hit the top of the stretch two lengths in front of Charlie’s Wish and Imonra before extending her advantage down the lane to win by four lengths in 1:23.05 on the fast track.
Imonra was fourth followed in order by Florida-bred Bluefied and Sophia’s Storm. Florida-bred Hihellowhowareyou and Infinite Diamond were scratched.
Beth’s Dream paid $3.80 to win.
Beth’s Dream began her win streak March 17 at Gulfstream with a neck victory against upper level, $62,500 optional claiming fillies going a mile. She then won the $75,000 Mo’ Green by nearly four lengths on April 27 and the $75,000 My Pal Chrisy by two-and-three-quarter lengths on June 23, both at one mile.
“It was very important. I still think she is better at a mile, but she is in the best form of her career,” Barboza said. “This will get her ready for the Princess Rooney.”
Beth’s Dream won for the ninth time in 16 lifetime starts with two seconds and two thirds. Her $57,550 first place check, including the $10,000 FTBOA bonus, increased her lifetime bankroll to $449,167.
She is out of Gator Brew, by Milwaukee Brew and was bred in Florida by Gamble and her late husband, Dr. James Gamble. Gator Brew has produced five winners from six starters from seven foals including stakes-placed Florida-breds Devish Romance with Double Diamond Farm stallion First Dude; and Bart’s Dream, by Bridlewood Farm stallion Chitu. The Gambles also bred Gator Brew and owned second dam, Doc’s Doll, who Dr. Gamble purchased for $1,700 at the 2001 Keeneland October Yearling Sale.
