Favored Arch Traveler won a key Gulfstream Park allowance race for 3-year-olds on the Fountain of Youth (gr. II) undercard Feb. 26, defeating second choice Nacho Business by three-quarters of a length (VIDEO).
Arch Traveler, a $260,000 Keeneland yearling, was nominated to the Hutcheson Stakes (gr. II) but trainer Jimmy Jerkens opted to run him in the 1 1/8-mile first-level allowance test instead. Centennial Farms owns the bay colt by Sky Mesa --Mettle, by Silver Deputy. Monticule bred the winner in Kentucky.
Headstrong early after breaking from the rail, Arch Traveler was taken off the lead by jockey Jose Lezcano and stalked the pacesetting Private Prize in second before taking over at the top of the lane. Arch Traveler opened a one-length advantage mid-stretch and outlasted the onrushing Nacho Business, who was ridden by Joe Bravo. The final time was 1:52.36 over a fast track.
This was the third race of the Gulfstream meet for Arch Traveler, who broke his maiden in his prior start Feb. 6 impressively by 2 1/2 lengths going seven furlongs. He began his career with a second-place effort at Aqueduct in December.
Sent off at 2-1, Arch Traveler earned $24,300 and paid $6.20 for the victory. He carried 118 pounds, four fewer than Nacho Business.
Nacho Business, the narrow second choice in the field of six, was a debut maiden winner at Gulfstream in his only prior start Jan. 30, winning a one-mile test by 1 1/4 lengths. The son of Rahy was a $150,000 Keeneland yearling and is trained by Kelly Breen for George and Lori Hall.
Washington's Rules, ridden by Kent Desormeaux, edged Private Prize by a neck for third.
Arch Traveler holds off Nacho Business for the win.
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