Assertiko’s racing campaign in 2020 ended with a three-race winning streak, the last victory coming on July 3. Then, the Bahamian Squall gelding owned by attorney David Romanik, trainer Ron Spatz and breeder SCF Inc. went to the sidelines until he returned with a fifth-place finish at Gulfstream Park on March 11 of this year, a vacation of nearly 20 months.

    The gelding made the fourth start in his comeback yesterday at Gulfstream and Junior Alvarado saw to it that it was one of his best. Assertiko was tested from the break as he vied for the lead in the seven-furlong test, never getting a breather, and he had every right to tire late after setting fractions of :22.44, :44.78 and 1:09.92. But he didn’t. Alvarado kept him going and Assertiko gamely reached the wire half a length in front, clocked in a sharp 1:22.90. He received an Equibase ‘E’ speed figure of 97, second best of his 14-race career, which has resulted in a record of 5-1-1. 

     Assertiko earned a check for $16,000, raising his career total to $119,160, and he paid $13.20 as he became Bahamian Squall’s 15th winner of 2022.