Florida-breds Finish First, Second and Third
BY BROCK SHERIDAN
Florida-bred Reef Runner executed his patented late kick to win the $95,000 Bob Umphrey Turf Sprint by two-and-a-half lengths ahead of runner-up Takecareofbusiness in second with Oh Darlin third to complete a Florida-bred trifecta. Moved off the grass to the synthetic course, the Bob Umphrey Turf Sprint featured six 3-year-olds and older going five furlongs.
In addition to the $44,550 winner’s check, Reef Runner earned an additional $10,000 Florida-bred bonus presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association. Takecareofbusiness received $6,000 in FTBOA bonus money while a $4,000 Florida-bred bonus went to Oh Darlin.
After breaking well from post four, jockey Miguel Vasquez allowed Reef Runner to take back and settle in fourth, about two-and-a-half lengths behind Florida-bred Hope In Him and recent optional claiming-winner High Limit Room, who sprinted for the lead together.
Hope in Him held a half-length advantage on High Limit Room around the turn after a quick quarter-mile in :21.48 as Reef Runner raced outside Florida-bred Oh Darlin in a joint third, still two-and-a-half lengths back.
Hope in Him and High Limit Room turned into the stretch on even terms while Vasquez kept Reef Runner on the outside with a length-and-a-half to make up. Reef Runner kicked in gear with a furlong to the finish and effortlessly raced to the front to win in :56.54. Takecareofbusiness came from last to get second and finish a half-length ahead of Oh Darlin. High Limit Room, Hope in Him and Omaha City completed the order of finish. Wide West (Ire) and Xy Speed were scratched.
Reef Runner paid $4.20 to win as the even-money favorite.
It was the first stakes victory for Reef Runner, a homebred son of The Big Beast trained by David Fawkes. The 3-year-old colt is out of Paradise Bay, by Blame and has now won four of 10 starts with two seconds and a third and earnings of $223,205.
Reef Runner is the second foal out of Paradise Bay, both are winners. She has an unraced 2-year-old full brother to Reef Runner and an unnamed yearling filly by Street Sense.
