The flat spot issue that surfaced during Gimme A Nother's flawless seven-race streak in South Africa was once again evident in the United States, where she suffered her first defeat in the Grade 2 Hillsborough Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs over the weekend after 11 months off the track. 

Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. immediately picked up on the familiar trait, which has been a talking point throughout her career. The filly tends to hit a flat spot between the 400m and 300m mark, often requiring extra urging before finding her stride. Whether this is a matter of racing style or simply a momentary lapse in response remains a subject of debate.

After the race, Ortiz relayed his experience to trainer Graham Motion, noting: “I had to wait because I was going to get fanned so wide on the last turn, and then it took her a while to get going.”

This characteristic has been well-documented by jockeys in South Africa, and while it suggests she may need more ground to be at her best, her talent remains unquestionable. A Grade 1 victory in the U.S. is far from an unrealistic goal.