White Frost Much the Best in Sweetest Chant

HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Despite a less-than-ideal trip, Gainesway Stable homebred White Frost was still much the best in winning Saturday’s $100,000 Sweetest Chant Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park.

Breaking from post 5 under Junior Alvarado at 9/2 odds, White Frost was able to save ground in mid-pack heading into the clubhouse turn while the 6/5 favorite Con Lima posted opening fractions of :24.16, :48.26, and 1:11.66.

Though she looked loaded for bear in the far turn, White Frost had to wait for room to appear at the top of the stretch before Alvarado could steer White Frost into proper position.

Blasting to the lead a furlong out, the Bill Mott trainee drew off to cross a length clear on the wire, completing the firm turf mile route in 1:34.45.

“She broke very sharp,” Alvarado said. “Going into the first turn, things got a little tight, but I had enough filly to hold my spot. I was a passenger the whole way around. I just had to show her where to go and find the room turning for home. After I put her in the clear, she has such a nice turn of foot, it made my job very easy.”

Con Lima gamely held second by a length over Domain Expertise, who was third by a 1/2-length each over Candace O and Honey Pants, respectively.

Director’s Cut, Queen of the Green, and Lionessofbrittany completed the order of finish in the race restricted to 3-year-old fillies.

White Frost’s win was her second straight following a maiden-breaking debut going 1 1/16 miles at Aqueduct in her turf debut. The Candy Ride filly’s record now stands at 4-2-1-0 with $123,920 earned.

“I thought Junior gave her a super ride out of there,” said assistant trainer Kenny McCarthy. “It was pretty exceptional because they hadn’t gone that fast early, so you figure everyone’s going to be running home a little bit. Once Junior put her in the clear, she really accelerated and showed them a nice, clean pair of heels.”

White Frost returned $11 to win, $5 to place, and $4.20 to show. Con Lima brought back $3.20 to place and $2.60 to show, while Domain Expertise paid $4.20 to show.