Starry Night Racing’s Fulmine demonstrated a commanding presence, both literally and figuratively, dominating the $125,000 Hutcheson Stakes on Saturday at Gulfstream Park. This imposing son of Spun to Run, who appeared to dwarf his six competitors as they paraded toward the starting gate for the six-furlong sprint, showcased his power throughout the 72nd running of the historic race, ultimately securing a decisive 2¾-length victory.
“Many fine horses have claimed victory in the Hutcheson, and I am incredibly pleased to add Fulmine’s name to that list,” expressed Fulmine’s trainer, Kent Sweezey.
The race unfolded with the 3-5 favorite, Diciassette, experiencing a stumble shortly after the start, causing him to fall back significantly from the early pace. Wootun, guided by Hall of Famer Javier Castellano, surged to the front, setting a brisk opening quarter-mile in :22.26 seconds, with Sweeping Shadow and Freaky Neeks in close pursuit. Wootun continued to lead around the far turn and into the homestretch, while Fulmine, under jockey Jose Morelos, began a bold three-wide move, advancing around the tiring Sweeping Shadow and Freaky Neeks.
Morelos recounted his strategy, stating, “The horse had a slow break, but I remained calm. I was able to relax him and position him well. Around the half-mile pole, I urged him forward, and he responded magnificently.”
Once alongside the pacesetter, Fulmine asserted his dominance in the stretch, pulling away for a clear win.
“The moment I saw the favorite stumble at the start, I knew we had gained a significant advantage,” Sweezey commented.
Fulmine completed the six furlongs in 1:10.82, returning $9.80 to his backers. Wootun secured second place, finishing 2¼ lengths ahead of Diciassette.
Fulmine’s journey to this victory has been a compelling one. He was claimed for $50,000 after breaking his maiden in his second career start at Churchill Downs on October 21st.
“I had observed his initial race and was impressed by his potential. He showed greenness in spots, which is not uncommon for large horses in their debut,” Sweezey explained. “He had some betting support in his first start, and a $50,000 claim is a substantial investment.”
Fulmine quickly justified that investment with a victory in a first-level allowance race over six furlongs at Churchill Downs. Following a less-than-stellar performance in a one-turn mile allowance race, Fulmine joined Sweezey’s stable at Palm Meadows, Gulfstream’s satellite training facility in Palm Beach County, for the winter season. Despite two unsuccessful turf starts at Gulfstream, he rebounded with an off-the-pace victory in a six-furlong optional claiming race on February 27th at Tampa Bay Downs, a running style reminiscent of his Hutcheson performance.
“When we moved him to Palm Meadows, I suspect the track surface might have been deeper, and he didn’t seem to handle it well. So, I suggested we try the turf – we had to explore options,” Sweezey elaborated. “We then ran him back at six furlongs at Tampa, and he performed much better that afternoon. Immediately after he crossed the finish line, I contacted the Gulfstream racing office and requested his entry into the Hutcheson.”
Bred in Kentucky by Porta Pia Stables LLC, Fulmine is out of the Pulpit mare Kylbrylie.
