HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Juddmonte Farms’ homebred Seismic Wave put forth a perfectly-timed ride under Irad Ortiz, Jr., to get up just in time and steal Saturday’s Cutler Bay Stakes at Gulfstream Park.
Breaking from the rail as the 2/1 second choice, Seismic Wave took back to the rear and watched while Stirling Drive took a clear early lead through opening fractions of :23.53, :46.82, and 1:10.86. Still patiently handled through the far turn, Seismic Wave suddenly surged through the middle of horses nearing the top of the stretch and commenced a rally toward the front. Splitting between a fading Stirling Drive and Art G Is Back in the shadow of the wire, Seismic Wave put his neck in front at the perfect moment to win the mile-long event in a final time of 1:34.49 over the firm turf course.
Forever Mo went four-wide down the stretch and was able to take second by a 1/2-length over Art G Is Back, with the even-money favorite Marquee Prince a neck back in fourth. A spent Stirling Drive and the non-threatening pair of Candy Crushem and Insider Trading completed the order of finish.
Seismic Wave’s win was his second straight following a maiden-breaking effort here going 9 furlongs on February 16 for trainer Bill Mott. The 3-year-old son of Tapit improved his record to 4-2-1-1 with $124,750 earned.
Seismic Wave returned $6.40 to win, $3.60 to place, and $2.80 to show. Forever Mo brought back $5.60 to place and $3.40 to show, while Art G Is Back paid $3.60 to show.
