Trainer Joseph continues to excel on the circuit

HALLANDALE BEACH, Florida – Barbadian trainer Saffie Joseph Jr won twice on Friday’s eight-race card to maintain his comfortable lead at Gulfstream Park.

The 34-year-old, whose star has risen considerably over the last 12 months, won race five with favourite Sonicus and race six with 3-1 choice Boss Lady Kim – both victories coming in combination with jockey Edgard Zayas.

Joseph, the defending champion, tops the standings with 31 wins, 12 clear of his nearest challenger Rohan Crichton.

After missing out in a five furlong sprint in race one with favourite Mouly, Joseph tasted success in a 5-½ furlong dash when Zayas guided Sonicus to a 2-½ length score over the three-year-old and upward maiden fillies and mares.

Sonicus survived a bump at the start with 20-1 outsider Kitten’s Appeal to make all the running, the three-year-old filly holding well in the stretch despite a bid from her rival.

Joseph’s second win came in another 5-½ furlong trip, Zayas producing a stalking ride with three-year-old bay filly Boss Lady Kim to edge the three-year-old and upward fillies and mares by a neck.

Perfect Provision and Kingston Queen tugged the field through the early fractions before Zayas made his bid nearing the quarter pole and slugged out with Kingston Queen in the stretch drive.

Only recently, Joseph featured in the American Triple Crown, finishing out of the places with White Abarrio and Skippylongstocking in the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, before clinching third in the Belmont Stakes with Skippylongstocking. (CMC)