On the horizon at Gulfstream Park lies an eagerly anticipated race featuring two prominent equine talents. Gun Song, a formidable filly known for her near-victory against Thorpedo Anna in 2024's Grade 1 Cotillion, is set to make her return. Despite Thorpedo Anna's absence, this Thursday's stakes-quality optional claiming allowance will be no easy feat. Competing alongside Gun Song is Just F Y I, the juvenile filly champion of 2023. This one-mile race on the main track for older fillies and mares promises excitement as both horses aim to reassert their dominance.
The stage is set for Gun Song, who has not raced in 139 days since finishing second in Aqueduct’s Mother Goose (G2). As the program favorite at 7-5 odds, she brings a strong pedigree from Gun Runner, the 2017 horse of the year and newly minted Hall of Famer. Last year, Gun Song achieved three wins and four seconds across nine starts, including victories in the Black-Eyed Susan (G2) and Cathryn Sophia. Her trainer, Mark Hennig, acknowledges the challenge ahead but remains optimistic about her readiness. "She’s made good progress," Hennig remarked, emphasizing that finding the right race timing had been tricky.
Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez, who piloted Gun Song through much of last season, returns to ride her from Post 3. Velazquez breezed her on February 27th, expressing satisfaction with her performance. "She’s already a big filly, but she seems even more mature after her break," Hennig noted.
Meanwhile, Just F Y I, by Triple Crown winner Justify, aims to recapture her championship form following a less successful 2023 campaign. After going undefeated during her championship season, including Grade 1 victories in the Frizette and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies, Just F Y I struggled last year, finishing second in the Ashland (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1), and sixth in the Acorn at Saratoga. Trainer Bill Mott believes that recent training sessions have prepared her well, though he acknowledges the long layoff.
Junior Alvarado, who has ridden Just F Y I exclusively, retains the mount from post 5 as the second choice at 8-5 odds. Other notable entrants include Literate, Abundancia, and Riding Pretty, adding further depth to the competition.
This Thursday's event at Gulfstream Park offers fans a chance to witness two exceptional talents renewing their rivalry. With both Gun Song and Just F Y I poised for their comebacks, the race promises to deliver suspense and spectacle. The anticipation surrounding these horses' performances underscores the allure of thoroughbred racing, where past achievements meet present challenges in a thrilling display of speed and strategy.