One of a trio of University of Louisville coach Rick Pitino-owned horses named for his players is set to debut Sunday at Gulfstream Park.
Gorgui, named for University of Louisville center Gorgui Dieng, is entered in the seventh race, a seven-furlong test on dirt with nine participants. The colt drew the far outside post and will be ridden by Jose Lezcano.
Gorgui, a son of Bellamy Road trained by Nick Zito, has been training well for his first start with two straight bullet (top) works. His pedigree suggests he will prefer longer distances.
It's been tough going for the other two horses named for Cardinal stars. Russdiculous, a reference to Pitino’s nickname for guard Russ Smith’s unpredictability, is 0 for 4 after losing as the favorite at Golden Gate on Jan. 19.
Siva, a son of Flatter trained by Dale Romans, finished last in his debut at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 10.
The most successful 3-year-old co-owned by Pitino this season is Goldencents, a multiple graded stakes-winning son of Into Mischief who currently ranks first in the new Kentucky Derby point system. Goldencents, trained by Doug O'Neill, could race next in the San Felipe Stakes on March 9.
Photo by J.J. Hysell
