Trainer Gary Gullo isn’t sure how much longer his good fortune is going to last, but he certainly hopes his luck doesn’t run out Friday, when he saddles five runners on Aqueduct’s nine-race card.
Carpe Diem, Dortmund, and Upstart, each among the leading 2-year-olds from last year, all have already raced and won this year, creating buzz both individually and collectively toward the May 2 Kentucky Derby. But the horse adjudged the best of his generation last year is ready to step back in the ring.
Friday’s Laurel Park card is topped by a first-level allowance for 3-year-old fillies and includes a second-level optional-claiming race and two 3-year-old filly maiden races.
Balance has been key for divisional champion American Pharoah, with classic influences on the top side of his pedigree thus far appearing to outweigh a female family slanted heavily toward speed.
Trainer Juan C. Vazquez entered his first horses since November this week. No longer welcome at the Maryland Jockey Club tracks, he now is based on a farm in Delaware.
What happened Monday at Mahoning Valley Race Course is a racing rarity. Wear the Mask, whose color is officially listed as white by the Jockey Club, recorded his second lifetime victory in a first-level allowance in Monday’s fourth race.
Perhaps it is fitting that jockey A P McCoy will ride his final Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday on a 9-year-old gelding named Carlingford Lough. Both started their careers in Ireland and are at the top of their games.
Top Billing had his first workout since a disappointing return to action when he breezed four furlongs in 49.80 seconds Tuesday at Payson Park. Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey said last week that he hopes to find another allowance race for Top Billing in the near future.
Asia, a daughter of the speedy One Hot Wish, makes her much-awaited return to action in the lone allowance of a 10-race Friday card at Gulfstream, a $48,000 first-level allowance at five furlongs on the turf.
Eh Cumpari, the last-to-first winner of the Grade 3 Palm Beach Stakes here last Saturday on turf, will be given an opportunity on the Kentucky Derby trail, said trainer Michael Dilger.
