Mario Fuentes Rides 1st Winner as Journeyman in Opener
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Trainer Pedro Garcia saddled No Commission ($8.20) for a late-rallying victory on Saturday’s program at Gulfstream Park to register his first success in the U.S.
The 34-year-old Venezuelan native immigrated to South Florida two months ago along with his father Pedro Garcia.
“This is a new beginning,” Garcia said. “The racetrack is very competitive. It’s a great experience.
Garcia claimed No Commission out of a second-place finish for $6,250 shortly after arriving and reaped immediate success when the 3-year-old pulled away to a three-length score in a 5 ½-furlong $6,250 claimer carded as Race 5. No Commission was claimed out of the race.
“I have two horses right now, but I think it’s only one at this moment,” Garcia said.
Race 5 Replay
Gulfstream Park October 16, 2021 Race 5
Fuentes Rides First Winner as Journeyman Saturday
Scarlett’s Flower made a last-to-first surge to graduate at first asking to open Saturday’s program at Gulfstream Park, providing jockey Mario Fuentes with his first success as a journeyman.
Fittingly, Matthew Williams, who saddled Fuentes’ first career winner, Areyoutalkingtome, in March 2020 at Gulfstream, trains Scarlett’s Flower, a debuting daughter of Mucho Macho Man who scored by 3 ¾ lengths in the 5 ½-furlong maiden race for 2-year-old fillies.
“It’s good to get this one out of the way,” said Fuentes, a native of Chile who is the son of South Florida trainer Mauricio Fuentes. “I won my first career race for Matthew Williams and gave me my first winner as a journeyman. He’s always helped me out. It’s amazing. I just want to keep making progress and working hard.”
For info on the Best Breeders’ Cup Seminar click HERE.
Race 1 Replay
Gulfstream Park October 16, 2021 Race 1
David Joseph/Gulfstream Park
Photo: Trainer Pedro Garcia (Ryan Thoumpson)
