Anne Dupree steps up, comes back quick off claim

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Anne Dupree ran the race of her life, and then some, when rallying to an easy conditioned-claiming victory for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. here March 31. She then changed barns after being claimed out of the race for $40,000 by trainer Anthony Margotta Jr. in the interests of St. Elias Stable.

On Friday at Gulfstream Park, Joseph will try to beat his former pupil with another member of his large and potent stable, the well-seasoned Misschief Maas, when she squares off against Anne Dupree and four other fillies and mares in the afternoon’s main event, a $47,000 optional claimer to be decided at one mile on the main track.

Anne Dupree earned an 88 Beyer Speed Figure for her 3 1/4-length decision going seven furlongs over an over-matched group of nonwinners-of-two lifetime claiming rivals. The number was 23 points higher than she’d ever recorded racing on dirt and 14 better than her previous lifetime best registered on the grass when second best behind no less a rival than the now Grade 1 winner Competitionofideas at Belmont Park last summer.

The key question Friday is whether Anne Dupree, a 4-year-old daughter of Curlin, can repeat her previous effort while stepping up against more seasoned opposition while returning on just 19 days’ rest for her new connections. She has worked once since changing barns, an easy half-mile on April 13 in 49 seconds.

Misschief Maas, a 10-time winner, is one of three members of the field who will compete under a $16,000 claiming tag. The start will be the 31st for the 5-year-old mare, who was claimed by Joseph for $25,000 on New Year’s Day and returned quick dividends off the claim when capturing a starter-allowance dash by 3 1/4 lengths while earning a career best Beyer of 83 for the effort. She has been freshened a bit since finishing a disappointing third as the even-money favorite against similar starter company Feb. 18.

A pair of familiar rivals, Livin a Dream and Royal Asscher, will renew acquaintances after finishing first and second, respectively, a length apart under $12,500 price tags going one mile Feb. 22. Both figure to be forwardly placed once again in the rematch. Like Misschief Maas, both know their way around the winner’s circle having won six and seven races, respectively.

Magalie, who has chased Misschief Maas to no avail on two earlier occasions this winter, and the outsider Denver complete the field.