HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Trainer/co-owner/co-breeder Larry Rivelli’s Jean Elizabeth extended her hot streak to five stakes victories with a gutty effort in Saturday’s $150,000 Ladies’ Turf Sprint Stakes at Gulfstream Park.
Bursting like a rocket from post 5 at 5/2 under Irad Ortiz, Jr., Jean Elizabeth shot to the lead but soon lost it after the 6/5 favorite Girls Know Best – ridden by Irad’s brother Jose – shimmied up the inside to take command. The pair of mares separated from the pack while running the opening 1/4-mile in :21.68.
Off the far turn, Jean Elizabeth began advancing along the outside of the bettors’ choice. Taking command in mid-stretch, Jean Elizabeth held sway to win by a 1/2-length in :55.26 for the 5-furlong sprint over the firm turf course.
The final time was 0.58 seconds faster than Texas Wedge’s victory in the World of Trouble Turf Sprint Stakes two races prior.
“I rode her last time and she beat the favorite on dirt,” said Ortiz, Jr. “I was told the filly would like the turf, so I rode her with confidence. Today, I let her settle a little bit, and at the 1/4 pole, I asked her and she was there for me.”
Girls Know Best settled for a hard-fought second, 2 lengths ahead of Keota. A photo for fourth went to Charmaine’s Mia by a nose over Factorofwon. Completing the order of finish came Miss Deplorable, Ambassador Luna, Moonlight Romance, and Thinkin Cowtown.
Jean Elizabeth’s win improved her record to 19-13-4-2 with $562,668 earned for co-owners Rivelli, Richard Ravin (who also co-bred her), and Patricia’s Hope. The 5-year-old daughter of Adios Charlie was making her turf debut after mostly competing on synthetic surfaces in her career.
Jean Elizabeth returned $7.60 to win, $3.60 to place, and $2.80 to show. Girls Know Best brought back $2.80 to place and $2.40 to show, while Keota paid $3.40 to show.
