WinStar Farm LLC, CHC Company, and Cold Press Racing’s Tappan Street, who recently caused an upset by defeating Sovereignty in the $1 million Curlin Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park on March 29, made a return to victory at Gulfstream Park on Friday with a solid win in the Mile Option Claim Allowance race. Elliott Walden, president, CEO, and racing manager of WinStar Farms, expressed his satisfaction with the horse’s comeback, highlighting Tappan Street’s strength and the timely success.
Tappan Street’s convincing win in Race 7 puts him on track for a potential spot in the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1), scheduled at Gulfstream Park on January 24th. Walden noted their plan to continue aiming for top-level competitions and to monitor Tappan Street’s progress toward the Pegasus World Cup.
The 3-year-old son of Into Mischief, trained by Brad Cox, has recovered from a condylar fracture in his right front leg sustained during training for the May 3rd Kentucky Derby (G1), which Sovereignty eventually won. Since November 1, Tappan Street has trained at Payson Park after two preparations at Keeneland, marking his fourth career comeback.
Cox described the win as a solid, expected effort from the horse, acknowledging that Tappan Street doesn’t always dominate in the closing stages but remains a strong and capable competitor. The decision to enter him in this race was seen as appropriate for this phase of Tappan Street’s career.
In the race, the favorite Tappan Street, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., closely pursued the leader through the first half-mile, maintaining pressure down the stretch to secure a comfortable victory with a time of 1:36.22 over a mile, defeating five rivals. Ortiz, riding the horse for the first time, praised Tappan Street’s responsiveness and effort.
Tappan Street has run three times at Gulfstream this season, debuting with a win in a seven-furlong race on December 28, then finishing second in the Holy Bull (G2) before triumphing in the Florida Derby. Purchased for $1 million at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton New York-Saratoga Select Yearling Sale, he has shown competitive grit and readiness in recent races.
Cox commented on Tappan Street’s confident demeanor on race day, noting the horse’s controlled and competitive attitude right from the barn to the paddock.
Fan Take: This victory marks a major step forward for Tappan Street as he returns from injury, reigniting excitement among fans for his future potential. His strong performance not only adds depth to the upcoming Pegasus World Cup lineup but also showcases the resilience and spirit that keeps horse racing thrilling and unpredictable.
