Albarado moves tack to Gulfstream

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Jockey Robby Albarado will begin riding here on a regular basis Thursday, accepting two mounts on the 11-race card.

Albarado has transferred his tack from Fair Grounds in Louisiana and will have his engagements handled by Walter Blum Jr. while in south Florida.

Albarado made the switch, in large part, at the behest of trainer Dale Romans.

“I told him he should have come here starting December 1,” Romans said. “He’s finally coming now, he’s going to freshen up, ride some good horses, play a little golf, and be ready for when we get home in the spring.”

Romans said Albarado will ride one of the three horses he intends to start in the Fountain of Youth. Which one of the three, however, has yet to be determined. Romans said he plans to start Free Drop Billy, runner-up in the Grade 2 Holy Bull in his 3-year-old debut, Storm Runner, and Promises Fulfilled in the 1 1/16-mile Fountain of Youth. The field also is expected to include Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner and division champion Good Magic, along with the undefeated Strike Power.

◗ Wednesday’s 11-race program is topped by a $52,000 second-level optional claimer going five furlongs on the turf for fillies and mares. Kasuga, Goldwood, and Superduper Sky are the leading contenders.