(Edited release)
Gulfstream Park has waved the nomination fees for grade I winners Mine That Bird, Rachel Alexandra, Summer Bird, and Quality Road to next year’s Donn Handicap. The Donn has been a grade I in past years.
“Regardless of whether or not these four superstars meet in the (Shadwell) Travers (gr. I, Aug. 29), we want them to have the opportunity of meeting in the biggest race for older horses this winter,” said racing operations manager Bernie Hettel.
The first three-named are classic winners. Mine That Bird won the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), Rachel Alexandra captured the BlackBerry Preakness Stakes (gr. I), and Summer BIrd took the Belmont Stakes (gr. I). Quality Road won the BlackBerry presents the 58h running of the Florida Derby (gr. I).