Sweet Gulfstream score for Anthony’s Cross filly

When Jo Sweetness made her career debut at Gulfstream Park on July 28, she was banged around badly leaving the gate and was off last in the 5 1/2-furlong race. The daughter of Anthony’s Cross was so far behind down the backstretch that announcer Pete Aiello mentioned her just one time with the comment “ahead of Jo Sweetness.” Coming to the wire, Aiello bellowed, “R. Prerogative has the lead – Jessica comes through on the rail, and Jessica is up to win it.” Then, his final words were: “Where did Jo Sweetness come from – she flew home to get beat about two lengths.”

The 2-year-old filly had come from a mile out of it to get up for third and that flying finish was enough to send Jo Sweetness off at 6/5 for her second start at Gulfstream yesterday. She performed as expected, sitting close to the pace, then powering away in the stretch under Leonel Reyes to break her maiden by 2 1/4 widening lengths. The victory was worth $30,500.