Gabaldon, a longshot at 16-1 odds, won the final race at Gulfstream Park, earning a $25,000 stipend and an automatic entry into a juvenile stakes at next month’s Royal Meeting at Ascot.
– ‣ Gabaldon, a longshot at 16-1 odds, won the Royal Palm Juvenile Stakes at Gulfstream Park, earning a $25,000 stipend and an automatic berth into a juvenile stakes race at the upcoming Royal Meeting at Ascot.
– ‣ The Jose D’Angelo-trained Gabaldon showed impressive speed from the start, leading the race and ultimately securing victory despite being challenged by a group of competitors towards the finish line.
– ‣ This victory marks Gabaldon’s first win in his debut race, highlighting his potential as a strong competitor in future races and earning praise from his trainer for his class and consistent training performance.
Gabaldon makes all!
The 20/1 shot cannot be caught in the Royal Palm Juvenile Stakes, and strikes impressively under Emisael Jaramillo… pic.twitter.com/0SIC0l2EKb
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 11, 2024
Gabaldon, the underdog with odds stacked against him at 16-1, did something extraordinary last Saturday at Gulfstream Park. He didn’t just race; he soared across the finish line, securing a $25,000 stipend and an automatic spot in one of the juvenile stakes at next month’s Royal Meeting at Ascot. It was a spectacle, the Royal Palm Juvenile S., where dreams seemed to take flight on hooves.
From the get-go, Gabaldon, a trainee of Jose D’Angelo, showed he was a force to be reckoned with. Breaking from the bell, he dashed to the rail, challenging Governor Sam (Improbable) stride for stride up the backstretch. The pair left the competition in their dust, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown. And as they rounded the far turn, Gabaldon pulled ahead, a grey blur against the green, his heart set on victory.
The final stretch was a nail-biter. With a quartet of challengers closing in, Gabaldon dug deep. He was searching, reaching for the wire with every fiber of his being. And then, triumph. He earned his ticket to England, a testament to his grit and determination.
D’Angelo couldn’t hide his pride. “The horse showed class from day one,” he said, a smile in his voice. “He’s never missed a workout.” They had been searching for a horse to run in this race. Now, they’re on the hunt for a top hat. A cheeky nod to their next grand adventure.
But let’s not forget Gabaldon’s lineage. His dam, unraced, has already produced a filly by Girvin last year. And this February, she welcomed another filly into the world, this one by Mutasaabeq. It seems talent runs in the family.
The race details are a testament to Gabaldon’s prowess. The Royal Palm Juvenile S., with a purse of $110,000 at Gulfstream, was no small feat. Competing against the best 2-year-olds over 5fT, Gabaldon clinched the victory in :56.20, a time that speaks volumes of his potential.
And so, Gabaldon makes all. Despite the odds, the 20/1 shot galloped into the hearts of many, an impressive victory under Emisael Jaramillo’s guidance. The tweet from At The Races captures the moment perfectly, a snapshot of triumph against the odds.
Ah, but let’s not get too carried away. The script for embedding the tweet is a reminder of the digital age we live in, where moments of glory are shared across the globe in seconds. Yet, in the midst of technology, the timeless tale of an underdog’s victory remains as compelling as ever. Gabaldon’s story isn’t just about racing; it’s about the spirit of perseverance, a reminder to us all that sometimes, against all odds, dreams do come true.
