Stick Talk Doubles the Fun for Connections with Palm Bay Win

Gives Jockey Gonzalez First of Two Handicap Wins on the Day

HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Stick Talk wore down pacesetter Holy Warrior nearing the finish line to win the $75,000 Palm Bay, a mile handicap for Florida-bred 2-year-olds, giving William Belford’s Bell Racing LLC and trainer Carlos David their second stakes victory in a span of minutes.

Reunited with hot-riding Edwin Gonzalez, who had guided him to his maiden victory two starts back, Slick Talk chased a loose-on-the-lead pacesetter past splits of 23.79 and 46.30 (seconds) and into the stretch before grinding his way to a two--length triumph over Holy Warrior.

“He had one pace,” said Gonzalez, who went on to capture the Miami Mile co-feature aboard Neat one race late on Saturday’s 10-race card. “I wanted to get my position right away and I kept following the speed. I was behind [Holy Warrior] and turning for home he was still in front of me, so I kept aggressive with him to the wire.”

Minutes earlier, Bell Racing LLC and David were represented in the Laurel Park winner’s circle following a front-running victory in the Twixt Stakes by 2025 Gulfstream Park Oaks (2) runner-up Anna’s Promise.

“The same connections – they’re thrilled. They won here and they won there,” David said.

Stick Talk, the 6-5 favorite in a field of eight, was timed in 1:40.27 while equipped with blinkers for the first time and stretching out to a one-turn mile, giving Gonzalez the first of his two handicap victories a week after he rode Forged Steel to victory in the Goodwood (G1) at Santa Anita.

“His last workout was a little slow. Edwin has been winning all over the place. I have to give a lot of credit to him. He’s on fire,” David said. “I think he needed Edwin back and get on him. The distance helped him two.”

David expects the son of Girvin to move forward off his workmanlike Palm Bay effort.

“He’s been galloping so strong the last couple days. He worked hard to win this race today, he really did,” David said. “I’m kind of wondering if he can get the two turns the way he carries himself. He’s very laid back and has a little bit of a kick at the end.

Holy Warrior, the 8-5 second choice ridden by Diego Herrera, finished second, five lengths clear of Sir Angelus.