In a thrilling turn of events at Aqueduct Racetrack, the long-shot horse Flood Zone emerged victorious in the Grade 3 Gotham Stakes. This prestigious one-turn mile race is part of the qualifying series for the 2025 Kentucky Derby. With odds stacked against him at 17-1, Flood Zone demonstrated remarkable resilience and strategic racing to clinch the win. The event took place on a crisp afternoon in New York, where the fast main track recorded a winning time of 1:39.62.
Flood Zone's Strategic Victory in the Gotham Stakes
In the heart of early spring, under partly cloudy skies, nine three-year-old horses lined up for the Gotham Stakes. The race began with Sand Devil setting a moderate pace, clocking fractions of 23.86, 47.97, and 1:13.69. Jockey Reylu Gutiérrez, riding for trainer Brad Cox, kept Flood Zone close but patient. As the race approached its final furlong, Sand Devil began to falter, and Flood Zone seized the moment. With a powerful surge, Flood Zone overtook the leader and surged ahead to claim a decisive victory by nearly three lengths.
The top five finishers were awarded points toward their Kentucky Derby qualification: Flood Zone earned 50 points, virtually securing a spot in the starting gate at Churchill Downs on May 3. Sand Devil claimed second place with 25 points, followed by Garamond in third with 15 points, My Mitole in fourth with 10 points, and McAfee rounding out the top five with 5 points.
Flood Zone, originally trained by Victor Barboza, was recently acquired by Wathnan Racing, owned by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar. The horse, bred in Florida, had previously won his maiden race at Gulfstream Park in January. Under Cox's guidance, Flood Zone has shown significant potential for the upcoming Kentucky Derby.
From a journalistic perspective, this race serves as a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of horse racing. It underscores the importance of perseverance and strategic planning, both of which were exemplified by Flood Zone's performance. For readers, it offers a reminder that even the longest of shots can turn into a memorable triumph, making every race worth watching.
Under the skilled guidance of jockey Kendrick Carmouche, Full Moon Madness secured a remarkable victory in the Grade 3 Tom Fool Stakes at Aqueduct. The five-year-old gelding demonstrated exceptional speed and strategy, overcoming strong competition to claim the prestigious title. Trainer Michelle Nevin praised the horse's performance, highlighting the importance of a swift start and a well-executed race plan. Full Moon Madness, known for his quirky yet effective racing style, proved once again why he is a formidable competitor on the track.
The race saw Full Moon Madness engage in an intense battle with Top Gunner through the early stages, setting a fast pace that left other contenders struggling to keep up. As they approached the final stretch, Carmouche urged his mount to push harder, successfully distancing himself from the pack. Surveillance made a late charge but was ultimately outpaced by the determined Full Moon Madness, who crossed the finish line 1¼ lengths ahead. The final time of 1:11.10 showcased the horse's impressive speed and endurance. Nevin and Carmouche both attributed the win to the horse's sharp start and the jockey's adept handling throughout the race.
This victory not only adds another accolade to Full Moon Madness's growing list of achievements but also opens up possibilities for future races. Trainer Michelle Nevin hinted at considering the Carter Stakes for the horse's next challenge, where he could face even tougher competition. This win underscores the importance of perseverance and strategic planning in achieving success. Full Moon Madness's triumph serves as an inspiration, reminding us that with dedication and the right approach, even the most challenging goals can be reached.
In a recent broadcast, Cuban television aired criticisms of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for allegedly charging excessive prices. However, the report notably avoided mentioning that state-run dollar stores in various provinces also carry high prices. The spokesperson, Talía González, highlighted this issue as part of an ongoing economic challenge, emphasizing the difficulties faced by inspectors in enforcing price regulations. The report touched on several key points: the struggle to maintain regulated prices, the impact of inflation on average Cubans, and the government's response to these issues. Despite low wages and pensions, the regime has introduced dollar stores, which are largely inaccessible to most citizens. This situation has raised questions about the effectiveness of current economic policies.
Price Regulation Challenges in Cuba’s Non-State Sector
In the midst of a challenging economic climate, a national broadcast from Cuba addressed the rising cost of goods sold by non-state businesses. During the autumn, when the island’s streets were painted with shades of orange and gold, Talía González, a spokesperson, pointed out that many essential items priced in local currency were found in privately owned establishments but did not adhere to official pricing guidelines. She described this discrepancy as a significant hurdle for the authorities.
An inspector shared insights into the complexities of enforcing price controls. According to him, vendors often remove products from display or sell them secretly when faced with inspections. He noted that while the informational boards might not reflect certain products, they continue to be sold discreetly. This behavior reflects new strategies to avoid legal penalties associated with price violations.
A self-employed worker explained the challenges of sourcing products through official channels. He mentioned that the wholesale market established in 2018 to support private businesses had failed to meet its intended purpose. “The wholesale market is supposed to lower prices, but it rarely offers anything useful,” he lamented. As a result, private sellers must resort to alternative means, driving up costs.
Data revealed that the average monthly salary in Cuba stands at 5,827 pesos, while a piece of liver can cost 1,300 CUP in SMEs. For pensioners, who receive an average of 2,188 pesos per month, purchasing power has significantly diminished. Inflation continues to rise, with a monthly rate of 2.06%, equating to an annualized rate of 27.7%. Despite these struggles, the government has opened dollar stores across the country, accessible primarily to those receiving remittances from abroad. While defended as accessible, these stores remain out of reach for many Cubans due to their high prices.
The partial dollarization of the economy has exacerbated inequalities, as only a select few can afford to shop in these establishments. Critics argue that the regime’s approach to controlling prices has been ineffective, leading to a growing mistrust among the population.
From a journalist's perspective, this report highlights the complex interplay between government policy and the daily lives of Cuban citizens. It underscores the need for more transparent and effective measures to address economic disparities and improve the quality of life for all residents. The criticism of SMEs without acknowledging the broader economic context may contribute to public frustration and skepticism toward official narratives. Ultimately, this situation calls for a reevaluation of how economic policies are implemented and communicated to ensure they genuinely benefit the entire population.