South Pass adds to July 4 fireworks show

The fireworks provided by Pleasant Acres stallions on July 4 paled in comparison to the encore performance the next day by a Handsome Mike colt at Gulfstream Park.

South Pass had debuted on June 8 under Ronald Ordonez and pretty much showed little interest, lounging around in mid-pack and finishing there – at odds of 25-1. That effort wasn’t lost on the wagering public, and when the 3-year-old went to the post for his second try, this one at 5 furlongs with new rider Jeffrey Sanchez, the tote board read 50-1.

Sanchez employed a different tactic, sending South Pass right out for the lead, and the colt fought off several challenges along the way. That included turning away even-money favorite Drill Down Dude down the lane and going on to win by 1 1/4 lengths. The maiden victory, accomplished in :58.88, was worth $10,400 to owner/breeder Just For Fun Stable, plus a breeder’s award, at the same time rewarding the betting faithful to the tune of $115.20, and giving Handsome Mike his 14th winner of 2019.