Barboza Jr. Wins Four and Unveils King Manolete

HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Trainer Victor Barboza Jr. completed a four-win afternoon at Gulfstream Park Saturday while unveiling an impressive debut winner in King Manolete.

Owned by Express Factory LLC and ridden by Diego Herrera, King Manolete, a gray 2-year-old son of Roadster, raced third along the rail past a :22.85 opening quarter before having to steady slightly approaching the turn. Herrera then had to take King Manolete three wide around the turn before drawing off above the eighth pole from the 7-5 favorite Tommy’s Miracle.

King Manolete covered the seven furlongs in 1:22.77.

“He’s a good horse. I’ve had confidence with this horse since the first day he was in m barn,” said Barboza of King Manolete, who sold for $135,000 at the Ocala Breeders 2-year-old Sale. “The gallop out on the workouts have always been impressive. I think he’s the best horse in my barn now.”

Barboza also won Saturday with My Mom Forever ($12.80) in the second, Mosai ($4.60) in the fifth and Here Comes Leo ($10.20) in the sixth.