By The Grand Island Independent
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (Apr. 25, 2015) — He said the key was how Joy Boy opened up the lead on the second turn.
“When they came around the corner here, he saws that corner off,” Hulse said. “He put two lengths between them coming down the back stretch. That’s his signature. Any time you’re watching him, if you bet on him when he does that, go to the window.
“He’s much faster around the corners. That’s what makes him good on a bullring.”
Hulse also noticed in previous races Saturday that some very good times were being put up. He saw that as a positive for his horse.
“When the track tightened up and I saw the speed a couple of times, I got a little more confidence,” Hulse said. “Diamond Joe, he keeps you honest. We keep each other honest.”
Joy Boy — bred in California by Dr. and Mrs. William Gray — paid $6.80, $3.60 and $2.40 to win. Diamond Joe paid $5.40 and $2.80 to place and Doctor Peter $2.20 to show.
Hulse said Joy Boy, who has now won 11 of 36 races with career earnings of $455,377, is in his best shape since he was claimed two years ago.
“He’s the soundest and the happiest that horse has ever been, and that’s all Kellyn Gorder and Johnny Ortiz,” Hulse said. “They’ve made him happy. We’ve figured out how to make him happy. He’s an old horse. He’s kind of an old veteran. You just play with him and have fun. I’ll guarantee he knows he got his picture taken, and then he’ll go just as hard the next time.”