Multiple Grade 2 hero Gunnevera returns to action on Sunday while facing five rivals in the $100,000 Tangelo Stakes at Gulfstream Park.
The 1 1/16-mile contest is serving as the Antonio Sano trainee’s prep for the $1.25 million Travers Stakes (G1) at Saratoga on August 26.
“I hope the horse wins Saturday. Then, he will run in the Travers,” said Sano, who has tentatively scheduled his colt to be shipped to Saratoga on August 18.
Gunnevera took part in the 2017 Triple Crown trail, but has been on hiatus from competition since finishing fifth in the Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico on May 20. The Kentucky-bred has continued to work in the interim, though, recording seven breezes at Gulfstream Park West.
Included in those moves were four straight bullet works, including a five-furlong move in :58.80 on July 22.
“He’s been training very well,” Sano said. “His condition is perfect. He’s put on more weight. He’s a very happy horse.”
Gunnevera began his Triple Crown quest as a juvenile, capturing the Saratoga Special Stakes (G2) and romping by 5 3/4 lengths in the Delta Downs Jackpot (G3), which concluded his two-year-old campaign. The Dialed In chestnut finished second in his sophomore debut, the Holy Bull Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park, and remained at that track to dominate the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) by 5 3/4 lengths and run third in the Florida Derby (G1) in his next pair.
Gunnevera finished seventh in the Kentucky Derby (G1) on May 6 at Churchill Downs before his Preakness Stakes fifth. He’s had a three different riders thus far but will be piloted in the Tangelo for the first time by Edgard Zayas, who has been holding the reins during the colt’s works.
“Edgard knows the horse very well,” Sano said. “He knows Gulfstream.”
Among those lining up against Gunnevera on Sunday is Front Loaded, who scored a 1 1/4-length win going a mile against allowance/optional claimers last out on July 16. The Jose Pinchin-trained gelding will break from the rail post under jockey Miguel Vazquez.
A former stablemate of Gunnevera will also be in the race. Arrecife was trained by Sano until being claimed from a turf contest on May 4 at Gulfstream. Now conditioned by Aubrey Maragh, the chestnut colt has been third in an allowance/optional claimer and fifth in an allowance, both in July. Jose Alvarez has the call on the Majestic Warrior colt, who is wheeling back off a week’s rest.
Unbridled Holiday, Manolete and Prince Tito , who have been unable to score against winners since breaking their respective maidens, complete the Tangelo field.
