Shivaree Stalks, Pounces, Triumphs in Limehouse

HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Jacks or Better Farm homebred Shivaree stalked a hot early pace, pounced at the top of the stretch, then got up time to triumph in Saturday’s $75,000 Limehouse Stakes at Gulfstream Park.

Breaking from the rail under Emisael Jaramillo as the prohibitive 3/5 favorite, Shivaree sat back slightly and allowed Zaino Boyz and Cajun Casanova to strike the hot early pace. Heading down the backstretch and into the far turn, Zaino Boyz posted opening fractions of :21.50 and :44.63 while Shivaree saved ground in fourth.

Ricki Ticki Taffi made a three-wide move in the far turn and assumed command at the 1/8 pole. Behind him, however, Shivaree had been steered out widest of all to make a run from the middle of the lane.

Gaining ground with every step, Shivaree took over at the 1/16 pole before pulling away for victory under a mild drive. The Ralph Nicks trainee crossed 3 1/4 lengths clear in a final time of 1:10.91 for the 6-furlong sprint over the fast main track.

“The post was a concern and they outfooted him,” Nicks said. “Fortunately, he was able to get out and he stayed steady. They went very fast in front of him and kudos to Emisael for staying busy around the turn because if he gets too far back away from them, I don’t think he catches up.”

Ricki Ticki Taffi stayed on for second, 1 1/2 lengths over Peruvian Boy, who had broken a step slowly but rallied past tiring foes late. Cajun Casanova, Uncaptured King, and an emptied Zaino Boyz completed the order of finish.

Shivaree’s win was his third straight and second at the stakes level, having won the local Buffalo Man Stakes going 6 furlongs on November 30. The Florida-bred 3-year-old son of Awesome of Course improved his record to 7-3-0-1 with $145,155 earned.

“He’s just steady,” Nicks said. “He has kind of a high speed to him, but not really, really fast. He stays even; he doesn’t give up.”

Shivaree returned $3.20 to win, $2.20 to place, and $2.10 to show. Ricki Ticki Taffi brought back $7.80 to place and $4.20 to show, while Peruvian Boy paid $3.20 to show.