Halladay dazzles in Sunshine Forever at Gulfstream Park

Halladay (Luiz Saez 6-5) docked eight rivals with a sizzling display in Saturday’s $75,000 Sunshine Forever at Gulfstream Park, Florida.

Owned by Harrell Ventures, the Todd Pletcher trained four-year-old, by War Front, was never headed in his quest of $75,000 covering just over a mile.

This was done in a 1:38:6/10 second swoop, missing out on a record set in 2015.

War of Will, Gary Barber’s 2019 Preakness Stakes, was entered in the Sunshine Forever but was officially scratched early morning, leaving one less pace-forward rival for Halladay to contend with.

Aquaphobia (Irad Ortiz Junior 3-1), and Social Paranoia did give him a run, but nothing worrisome.

Halladay, who won the Tropical Park Derby in December, remained undefeated in three starts over Gulfstream Park’s turf course with a dominating performance, contested by several graded-stakers.

Champion French jockey Maxime Guyon riding Batwan, landed the Group 3 Prix de Saint-Georges at Longchamp, as top-class racing in Europe returned.

Guyon kept the Philippe Sogorb-trained runner in a handy position in the curtain-raiser.

He made his challenge on the Ken Colt and Sestilio Jet in the final two furlongs, quickened the lead, until Gold Vibe tried to intervene.

Duhail representing Andre Fabre disappointed in eighth.

Victor Ludorum returns to Longchamp in the Prix de Fontainbleu, having already been installed as favourite for Poule d’Essai des Poulains (French 2,000 Guineas).

He is apparently one of the most exciting colts in France and is sure to be heavily gambled upon.

His winning sequence should be extended to four. He has proved to enjoy all surfaces and will find a mile very comfortable.

Helter Skelter and Ecrivain, are worth putting in placepots. This will be a welcome relief to punters, as quarantine has been intolerable for these avid enthusiasts.