Although it’s not a good look for racing, thoroughbred owners can’t be disappointed when scratches result in their horse facing a short field competing for the largest piece of a $21,000 purse. That’s just what happened with owners Michael Catalano and Jeffrey Lambert and Here Comes Bullet in the seventh race at Gulfstream Park yesterday.  

    The 6-year-old gelding by First Dude drew the rail in the seven-furlong race, facing just three rivals after three others were scratched. Luca Panici put Here Comes Bullet in a stalking position down the backstretch, moved him four wide on the turn for home, and the gelding did the rest, leaving the others behind late and scoring by 2 1/4 lengths in a time of 1:24.99.

    The victory was worth $12,800 and increased Here Come’s Bullet’s career bankroll to $89,260 on a record of 5-2-6 in 25 starts. He paid $10.40, became First Dude’s 16th winner of 2023 and lifted the stallion’s progeny earnings to $503,816.

    Unfortunately for his owners, Here Comes Bullet was claimed out of the race and he’ll be in a new barn for his next start.