FSS_Gulfstream_LastJudgment.qxp_Florida Horse_template 2/25/21 3:54 PM Page 22
By BROCK SHERIDAN ast Judgment left little doubt as to his authority over five Florida-bred rivals with a six-and-a-half-length romp in the $75,000 Sunshine Classic at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 16. The mile-and-one-eighth Sunshine Classic was one of four stakes for Florida-breds on the Gulfstream card, each worth $75,000 plus a $25,000 win bonus for Florida Sire Stakes eligible runners presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association. Trained by Michael Maker for Michael Dubb, Steve Hornsbrook, Bethlehem Stables LLC and Nice Guys Stables, Last Judgment sprinted to the front of the pack from the start with jockey Jose Ortiz aboard and had a length lead ahead of 10-1 choice Kaufy Bean after a first quarter-mile in :23.84. The 5-year-old gelding increased the lead to a length-and-a-half after a half-mile in :47.57 and was three-and-a-half lengths to the good of Sunshine Classic defending champion Noble Drama in second when they were midway down the home stretch. Last Judgment drew clear to win in 1:49.76 on
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the fast track with Noble Drama second, who was a neck better than Roman Empire in third. They were followed in order by Quenane, Red Crescent and Kaufy Bean. It was the third victory in the last five starts for Last Judgment, who had not shown a propensity to be on the lead early in previous races. He was ninth after a half-mile when eventually finishing eighth in the Grade 3 Mr. Prospector Stakes won by Sleepy Eyes Todd going seven furlongs at Gulfstream on Dec. 19 and sixth of seven after four furlongs when victorious against second
Last Judgment Rules in the Sunshine Classic at Gulfstream Park
22 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2021
COGLIANESE PHOTO
level, $62,5000 allowance optional claimers at Belmont Park on Oct. 29. The current ownership team claimed Last Judgment out of that victory two starts back with Florida races and a change in running style in mind. “We knew he was a class horse. I followed this horse from the beginning of his career” Dubb said. “When he was in for a tag in New York, I had two races in mind. I had this race and the Ocala
