Gulfstream Park, a Top Racing Venue, Enjoys Strong Opening Weekend

Gulfstream Park officials weren't quite sure what to expect when the track's live racing season opened for business Saturday. The track was opening a month earlier than usual and before many of the snowbirds from the Northeast begin to arrive in South Florida. The trepidation appears to have been misguided. Business boomed opening weekend, as total handle was up 22 percent and on-track handle was up almost 23 percent from last year's opening day, according to a Gulfstream Park press release. Total handle for Saturday's opening day card was $4,837,605 and ontrack handle was $436,107. “Whenever you do something new like this you're always nervous but after what I saw Saturday and again Sunday, I'm very happy about the dates swap,” Gulfstream Park President Tim Ritvo told Daily Racing Form. In addition to the change in dates, other Gulfstream improvements enjoyed by fans included a new finish-line that allows for races at 1 1/16-miles, six new jumbo video screens, additional seating and new food items provided from executive chef and television star Ralph Pagano. rnThe opening day feature, the $100,000 Spectacular Bid Stakes for 2-year-olds, was won by Ancient Rome by a nose over For Oby. Ancient Rome scored as the 6-to-5 favorite in the wagering for trainer Anthony Dutrow. He completed the six furlongs in a sharp 1:08.85. Ancient Rome entered the Spectacular Bid off a scintillating Maiden win by nearly eight lengths. The Spectacular Bid score puts him squarely in the Triple Crown mix. Dutrow was non-committal on where Ancient Rome would make his next start, but indicated the son of Roman Ruler would likely be stretched out around two turns. “He's made everyone associated with this horse—the exercise riders, everybody—feel good about him like he had a future,” Dutrow said. “He went from winning a Maiden race to a stakes and got that done today. “We do feel like he'll go a little further than this at least,” Dutrow said. “and he's by Roman Ruler, who had a Belmont winner this year (Ruler on Ice).”