Amira’s Prince filly jumps into spotlight at Gulfstream
When going over his latest victories at Gulfstream Park, it’s quite possible jockey Edgard Zayas won’t find one that was any easier than yesterday’s maiden score by first-timer Night Jumper.
The 2-year-old daughter of Amira’s Prince drew the No. 5 post for her debut in a $35,000 claiming race at ‘about’ 7 1/2 furlongs on the grass, and Zayas settled her in fifth place on the inside leaving the gate and into the backstretch. Announcer Pete Aiello picked her up several times along the way, noting that Night Jumper was dying to run, and he was right on the money.
When Zayas swung her to the outside heading to the final turn, Night Jumper inhaled the four in front of her, swept into the lead at the top of the stretch, and coasted to the wire 3 1/2 lengths in front, with her rider never once raising the whip.
Night Jumper was clocked in 1:30.76, paid $9.80, and earned a check of $23,650 for her owner and breeder, Darsan Inc. She became the sixth winner this year for Amira’s Prince, who has progeny earnings of $265,209 despite having just 10 starters.
Many hours after Night Jumper’s sensational debut, and as far across the country as is possible, Galileta finished a bang-up third in the $50,000 Emerald Downs Distaff at a mile and one-sixteenth.
Kevin Orozco was aboard the 4-year-old filly, and he sent the daughter of Amira’s Prince right to the lead. Galileta galloped along comfortably in front until she was collared in the stretch and wound up missing second by half a length. She earned $6,000, which raised her total to $32,106 on a record of 2-0-1 in eight starts.