HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – John Gunther and Eurowest Bloodstock homebred Atomic Blonde ran a patient, ground-saving trip that scooted her up the rail to score big in Saturday’s $150,000 South Beach Stakes at Gulfstream Park.
Breaking from post 3 under Javier Castellano at 5/1 odds, Atomic Blonde settled into a stalking position and saved ground, while Picara broke well from post 12 and flanked her outside. Ahead of them, early leader Hidden Facts posted opening fractions of :22.94, :46.69, and 1:10.56.
Still waiting for running room as she straightened for home, Atomic Blonde benefited from Hidden Facts drifting out at the top of the stretch. Surging through the opening, Atomic Blonde got the jump on the rest of the field, flying quickly to the front and drawing off in deep stretch.
Kept to a drive through to the wire, the Todd Pletcher trainee crossed 1 1/2 lengths the best in a final time of 1:28.03 for the 7 1/2-furlong sprint over the firm turf course.
The even-money favorite Mitchell Road, normally seen on or just off the early pace, broke slowly and was forced to run near the rear for much of the race. However, her class prevailed in the stretch as she advanced strongly late to neck out La Feve for second.
Getmotherarose was fourth ahead of Devant, who rallied from the back of the pack to head a weakening Hidden Facts. Romantic Moment, Conquest Hardcandy, Diamond Play, Spy Ring, Picara, and Limari completed the order of finish.
Ebullient was scratched after not drawing in from the Also Eligible list.
Atomic Blonde’s win was her first at the stakes level, having finished third in her stakes debut last time out in the Winter Memories Stakes at Aqueduct. The 4-year-old daughter of Scat Daddy now sports a record of 5-3-1-1 with $182,840 earned.
Atomic Blonde returned $13 to win, $5 to place, and $3.40 to show. Mitchell Road brought back $2.80 to place and $2.20 to show, while La Feve paid $3 to show.
