Henley’s Joy returns to winning ways (Coglianese)
David Joseph/Gulfstream Park
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla.— Henley’s Joy, who had gone winless in 34 starts since winning the 2019 Belmont Derby (G1), broke through with a dominating 2 ½-length victory in Thursday’s Race 8 feature at Gulfstream Park.
The 8-year-old gelding, who pushed his earnings over $1.2 million with the long-in-coming win, received a ground-saving trip under Irad Ortiz Jr. in the 1 3/8-mile optional claiming allowance on turf before taking the lead inside pacesetter Spy Novel and drawing away.
Trainer Michael Maker, who trained the son of Kitten’s Joy for his Belmont Derby victory as well as a win in the 2018 Pulpit at Gulfstream, claimed him for $62,500 out of an optional claiming allowance at Kentucky Downs last September.
“I got fired, and we took him back,” Maker said. “He found his form, maybe a little cheaper than we wanted. He had a good trip. Every win is special.”
Henley’s Dream ($12) was entered for a $35,000 claiming price in Wednesday’s feature.
Skymac Stables LLC claimed the turf veteran, who will make his next start for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.
