Joseph Eyes Florida Derby Preps After Allowance Win By Moonlite Strike Sponsored by:
Moonlite Strike holds off Saffie Joseph Jr. stablemate Kiger at Gulfstream Park
Sonata Stable s Moonlite Strike is likely to embark on the Road to the Florida Derby (G1) following his gutsy victory in Thursday s featured optional claiming allowance at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Fla.
Moonlite Strike ($4.80) withstood race-long outside pressure before prevailing by a head over Peachtree Stable s Kiger, a stablemate in trainer Saffie Joseph Jr s. barn, in the mile optional claiming allowance for 2-year-olds carded as Race 8 on a 10-race program.
“All races are under consideration. Kiger didn t win so he ll probably go back in one of those [optional claiming allowances] again, just because we have the option to develop him more. There are only stakes for Moonlite Strike,” Joseph said. “The Mucho Macho Man will be under consideration in about three weeks again. There is also