Strong Gulfstream performance for Pirate Beach

Pirate Beach has won two of his last three starts at Gulfstream Park after he turned in a strong performance at 7 1/2 furlongs on the grass yesterday. With Jose Batista aboard, the 3-year-old Treasure Beach gelding broke well from the No. 9 post but was pushed wide going to the first turn. Batista didn’t take back, though, sending Pirate Beach to an easy lead as the field entered the backstretch. There was never a serious threat after that, and Pirate Beach continued on to a 2 1/4-length score over 2-1 favorite Remember the Maine with an excellent clocking of 1:29.83. The victory was worth $17,800 to the gelding’s owner, Shade Tree Thoroughbreds.