Far Bridge. (Lauren King)
David Joseph/Gulfstream Park
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – LSU Stable’s Far Bridge returned from a nearly five-month layoff to register a hard-fought neck victory in the $215,000 Pan American Stakes (G3).
The 64th running of the 1 ½-mile Pan American 4-year-olds and up on the grass was the third of 10 stakes, five graded, worth $2.62 million in purses on a spectacular 14-race program anchored by the $1 million Curlin Florida Derby (G1), the country’s premier Triple Crown prep.
Ridden by Joel Rosario for trainer Christophe Clement, the 5-year-old Far Bridge was making his first start since a ninth-place finish Nov. 2 in the Breeders’ Cup Turf.
But he picked the perfect spot in which to do it, Gulfstream Park, where the Kentucky-bred son of English Channel remained unbeaten in four career starts over the Hallandale Beach turf course.
“He’s always shown an affinity for Gulfstream,” said assistant trainer Miguel Clement.
Sent off as the 4-5 favorite in the field of eight, Rosario guided Far Bridge to the rail in the 1 ½-mile stakes, gradually improved his position along the way, and launched his winning bid entering the homestretch, ranging up alongside Corruption.
Those two battled to the wire, with Far Bridge escaping with a narrow victory in a fast time of 2:22.73. Padiddle was third, a length behind Corruption.
“I thought we were going to be more forwardly placed,” Rosario said. “The pace was a little bit faster. Going into the first turn I had to take a little hold. But everything worked out good. He was the best horse in the race. I was just trying to give him a good trip.”
It was the fourth victory for Clement in the Pan American.
“They just ran in 2:22 and change, so I feel he was tight enough,” said Miguel Clement. “He ran very well. It was definitely impressive. Class prevailed today.”
“I think he’s four for four. His works have been very promising. He ran true to form. We’ll go Man o’ War, Manhattan. Those are the two most logical spots,” he added.
