Gulfstream Today 1.25.21: Castellano Back in Gulfstream Park Winner’s Circle

By David Joseph —–

GULFSTREAM TODAY

2.25.21

Castellano Back in Gulfstream Park Winner’s Circle

Friday’s Rainbow 6 Jackpot Pool Guaranteed at $400,000

HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Hall of Famer Javier Castellano made a welcome return to the Gulfstream Park winner’s circle Thursday at Gulfstream Park, scoring for the first time since undergoing clean-up surgery on his right leg in November.

The four-time Eclipse Award winner, who captured five consecutive Championship Meet riding titles (2011-12 through 2015-16), returned from a three-month layoff Feb. 17 and broke through with Una Luna ($10), his 14th mount back, in Thursday’s Race 7.

“It’s good to get this one out of the way and look to the future,” said the 43-year-old Castellano, who began his career in the U.S. in South Florida after venturing from Venezuela.

Una Luna settled well behind a hot early pace in the mile optional claiming allowance on turf before entering contention and becoming involved in a three-horse battle to the wire between horses. Una Luna prevailed by a neck but had to survive an inquiry before officially providing Castellano his first win of the year.

“It was a very competitive races– three horses going to the wire. I had a lot of pressure outside, but at the same time, I had to ride my horse. I couldn’t stop on my horse. The inside horse was running out of gas and ended up in a bad spot. I tried to keep my horse straight, but I didn’t get much help on the outside.”

The victory was No. 5,329 for the popular riding star, whose mounts have earned more than $350 million.

“I’m very happy to be here. It’s my first win back. It’s very exciting,” Castellano said. “I don’t have the words to describe how happy I am.”

Friday’s Rainbow 6 Jackpot Pool Guaranteed at $400,000

The 20-cent Rainbow 6 jackpot pool will be guaranteed at $400,000 Friday at Gulfstream Park.

The popular multi-race wager went unsolved for the third straight racing day since a lucky bettor broke the jackpot for $712,824.06 Saturday. Multiple tickets with all six winners were each worth $6,418.48 Thursday.

The jackpot pool is only paid out when there is a single unique ticket sold with all six winners. On days when there is no unique ticket, 70 percent of that day’s pool goes back to those bettors holding tickets with the most winners, while 30 percent is carried over to the jackpot pool.

There will also be a Super Hi 5 carryover in Friday’s first race of $6,008.44.

WHO’S HOT: Luis Saez tripled Thursday aboard Assume Control ($16) in Race 4, Gitana ($12.60) in Race 8, and La Libertee ($8.80) in Race 9.

Trainer Antonio Sano continued a successful Championship Meet Thursday by saddling back-to-back winners – Joshy Jak ($12.40) in Race 5 and Fast Catalina ($17.40) in Race 7.

About The Stronach Group and 1/ST

The Stronach Group is a world-class technology, entertainment and real estate development company with Thoroughbred horseracing and pari-mutuel wagering at the core. The company’s consumer facing brand 1/ST (pronounced “First”) powers The Stronach Group’s forward-thinking 1/ST RACING, 1/ST CONTENT, 1/ST TECHNOLOGY, 1/ST LIVE and 1/ST PROPERTIES businesses, while advocating for and driving the 1/ST HORSE CARE mission. 1/ST represents The Stronach Group’s continued movement toward redefining Thoroughbred racing and the ecosystem that drives it. 1/ST RACING drives the best-in-class horseracing operations at the company’s premier racetracks and training centers including: Santa Anita Park, Golden Gate Fields and San Luis Rey Downs (California); Gulfstream Park – home of the Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series, and Gulfstream Park West (Florida); the Maryland Jockey Club at Laurel Park, Pimlico Race Course – home of the legendary Preakness Stakes, Rosecroft Raceway and Bowie Training Center (Maryland). 1/ST CONTENT is the newly formed operating group for all of 1/ST’s media and content companies including: Monarch Content Management, Elite, GWS and XBTV. 1/ST TECHNOLOGY is horseracing’s largest racing and gaming technology company offering world-class products via its AmTote, Xpressbet, 1/ST BET, XB SELECT, XB NET, PariMAX and Betmix brands. 1/ST LIVE blends the worlds of sports, entertainment and hospitality by delivering uniquely curated events such as InfieldFest and Pegasus LIV Stretch Village. 1/ST PROPERTIES is responsible for the development of the company’s live, work and play communities surrounding its racing venues including: The Village at Gulfstream Park (Florida) and Paddock Pointe (Maryland). As the advocate for critical industry reforms and by making meaningful investments into aftercare programs for retired horses and jockeys, 1/ST HORSE CARE represents The Stronach Group’s commitment to achieving the highest level of horse and rider care and safety standards in Thoroughbred horseracing on and off the track. For more information please email david.joseph@gulfstreampark.com and visit www.1st.com.