Recruiting Ready Runs Off in GP Sprint

HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Sagamore Farm’s Recruiting Ready overcame being boxed in early by racing three-wide in the far turn and running off strongly in Saturday’s Gulfstream Park Sprint Stakes (G3).

Breaking from the rail under Luis Saez as the 1/2 favorite, Recruiting Ready soon settled into second as My Chinumado hustled out of post 2 and crossed over to take the early lead. Quijote soon came alongside Recruiting Ready while racing in the two-path, which effectively boxed in the bettors’ choice for much of the race down the backstretch. Quijote began advancing past a slowing My Chinumado, which gave Saez enough room to tip off the rail and run three-wide in the clear as the field entered the far turn. Still in hand as he hit the top of the stretch, Recruiting Ready took command under only a mild drive before clearing away to win by 3 1/4 lengths in a final time of 1:09.53 for the 6-furlong sprint over the fast main track. It was his second win in three starts since switching to the care of trainer Stanley Hough.

Unable to keep up with the eventual winner, Quijote was still strong enough to take second over a closing Sweetontheladies. Fourth was close, with Storm Advisory necking out Santiamen for that placing, but the rest of the field was strung out behind them. Pass the Butter, Millionaire Runner, and a spent My Chinumado completed the order of finish.

Recruiting Ready’s win, his first in a graded event, was his fourth overall against stakes company and improved his record to 18-7-2-4. The 5-year-old son of Algorithms increased his bankroll to $579,785.

“It was a little scary in the beginning when we didn’t make the lead,” Hough said. “I think he’s getting better with age. Some problems are behind him and I hope he finishes this year good.”

Recruiting Ready returned $3 to win, $2.20 to place, and $2.10 to show. Quijote brought back $2.60 to place and $2.20 to show, while Sweetontheladies paid $3 to show.