Published:
Thursday, June 4, 2020
With an eye-catching score at Gulfstream Park yesterday, Assertiko became Bahamian Squall's first runner to notch three career victories and his first repeat winner of 2020.
Trainer Ron Spatz, co-owner of the 3-year-old along with attorney David Romanik and the gelding's breeder, SCF Inc., chose to use talented apprentice Joseph Trejos aboard Assertiko, and it paid off in spades. As the only 3-year-old in the field, Assertiko carried just 113 pounds, 10 or more pounds less than all but one of his elders in the six-furlong race.
Trejos sent the gelding out quickly and they engaged in a head-and-head battle through solid fractions of :22.45, :45.16 and :57.42 over a wet surface labeled good. Then Assertiko drew off in the lane to win by 3 1/4 lengths. After his previous victory, Assertiko was assigned an Equibase 'E' speed figure of 83, his best through his first eight races. This time, he increased it to 91 after finishing in 1:10.41.
The victory was worth $19,100 to his trio of owners and raised Assertiko's total to $70,680, third best of all Bahamian Squall's runners.