Saffie records Stakes wins at Gulfstream, Oaklawn Park

HALLANDALE BEACH, Florida (CMC) — On the same day that he captured his maiden Sandy Lane Gold Cup title, Barbadian champion trainer Saffie Joseph Jr also won two high-profile races at two different tracks in the USA.

Joseph captured the $215,000 Fasig-Tipton Davina Dale Stakes at Gulfstream Park with The Queen MG, while Haulin Ice was victorious in the $150,000 Downthedustyroad Stakes in Arkansas at Oaklawn Park.

The Queen MG, a three-year-old brown filly, was a comfortable winner going 1,600 metres, finishing 2-3/4 lengths clear of the wire in a time of 1:37.85.

Over in Arkansas, Haulin Ice, a four-year-old roan filly, was also a clear winner by six lengths over 1,200 metres.

Haulin Ice broke well and moved up to take the lead through an opening quarter in 22.21 seconds, proceeded on the front end through a half-mile in 45.73, then increased her advantage to the wire to finish in 1:10.26. Punchy Girl finished second, while it was another 5 1/2 lengths back in third to Appealing Addie.

Haulin Ice will be honoured by the Arkansas Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Horsemen’s Association on March 28, having won the Arkansas-bred of the year title on account of the $447, 350 she earned last year, which topped all 2024 earnings by registered Arkansas-breds.