Hades Returns: Florida’s Racing Star Eyes Victory at Gulfstream!

Hades Returns: Florida’s Racing Star Eyes Victory at Gulfstream!

This weekend at Gulfstream Park, excitement is in the air as the much-anticipated $70,000 Black Diamond Cat overnight handicap approaches. D.J. Stable and Robert Cotran’s talented horse, Hades, is at the forefront, ready to make a mark in this competitive field. Scheduled for Saturday, the race is open to 3-year-olds and older, covering a distance of a mile and a sixteenth as part of the Royal Palm Meet’s closing festivities.

Hades, a Florida-bred son of Awesome Slew, has made quite a name for himself since his debut on December 3, 2023. He initially captured attention with a victory in a 5 ½-furlong maiden optional claiming race, overcoming a bump at the start to win by half a length. Following that triumph, he clinched an impressive win in a seven-furlong allowance optional claiming race against fellow statebreds, demonstrating his prowess by finishing eight lengths ahead of the pack. His impressive performances led his connections to test him against tougher competition, which has certainly paid off.

Recent Performances

Despite facing a setback in his last outing, where he was disqualified to second after initially finishing first in the Tackleberry overnight handicap on July 25, Hades has shown remarkable determination. Trainer Joe Orseno expressed his satisfaction with the horse’s performance, highlighting his effort as a significant contributor to Hades‘ rising fame. Following the Tackleberry, Hades completed a smooth one-mile breeze in 1:48.60 at Gulfstream on August 24, gearing up for this weekend’s challenge.

Carrying a top weight of 123 pounds, Hades is the program’s narrow favorite at 2-1, with jockey Edgard Zayas taking the reins from the rail. It seems the stars might very well align for him this weekend. However, he will not be racing against pushovers. Catalytic, the victor of the Tackleberry, is the second choice at 5-2, while Relampago Verde and Fiveeyesonskystars, who finished third and fourth in that same race, are also in the running. Don’t forget Lightning Tones, another seasoned competitor making his 30th career start, as well as Las Olas, Roar of the Beast, and Smart Striker, rounding out the strong field for the Black Diamond Cat.

A Glance at Hades’ Career

Hades boasts an impressive career record of three wins, three seconds, and two thirds from 12 starts, accumulating total earnings of $391,440. His skill and tenacity have not gone unnoticed; he even earned 20 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby after a stunning win in the 1 1/16-mile, Grade 3 Holy Bull Stakes, where he outpaced strong rivals, including the 2023 champion 2-year-old colt, Fierceness. He subsequently picked up another 10 points by finishing fifth in the Curlin Florida Derby on March 30. All these elements weave together an extraordinary tapestry of potential as he heads into this crucial race.

In summary, as local fans and racing enthusiasts prepare for the weekend, all eyes are on Hades. Will he live up to expectations, or will another competitor steal the spotlight? As the saying goes, “The race is not always to the swift, but to those who keep on running.” With Hades in the line-up, this race promises to deliver excitement and drama.

For more insights into Hades‘ journey, visit FTBOA and America’s Best Racing.