Apache Brave needs to stay focused in Thursday feature

Apache Brave is clearly the one to beat in a $25,000 optional-claiming race Thursday at Gulfstream Park. After all, he finished first when he was favored at the same level and distance Aug. 3.

However, he raced erratically in the stretch in that five-furlong dash on turf, and when he ducked out approaching the wire he forced the runner-up, Cliffed, to steady and swerve out into the path of Mach My Day.

Not surprisingly, the stewards disqualified Apache Brave and placed him third behind Mach My Day.

He drew post 3 in a field of 10 entered for turf, with Edgard Zayas again aboard. Beneficiary will run if the race gets moved to the main track.

Trained by Mickey Kroger, Apache Brave was much the best in his last start. He spotted the field a couple of lengths with a poor break, and then went three wide around the turn while dueling for the lead. He was all over in the stretch, and his antics at the end cost him the win.

Prior to finishing sixth in the $75,000 Bob Umphrey Turf Sprint on July 1, he got beat by a nose going five furlongs in a $25,000 optional-claiming race June 3. It looked like he crossed the wire first, but the photo told another story. He also drifted out late, which may have cost him the win.

The speed of the speed, he could be tough to get past if he breaks on top.

KEY CONTENDERS

Apache Brave, by Kantharos
Last 3 Beyers: 81-80-78

◗ The lone 3-year-old in the field, he was very unlucky to lose his latest and should make amends if he can avoid the antics in the stretch that cost him in his last two starts at this level.

Fearthefalcon, by Not For Love
Last 3 Beyers: 78-83-81

◗ He has a good record in Florida, including a couple of wins on the turf at Gulfstream Park West. In his last start he ran eighth in a one-mile $40,000 optional race for New York-breds at Aqueduct on Nov. 26 which produced three next-out winners.

◗ He won’t mind the cutback in distance, and the past five years his trainer, Steve Klesaris, has a 20 percent strike rate in turf sprints with horses coming back from a layoff of 180 days or more.

◗ It is also encouraging to see leading rider Tyler Gaffalione accept the call. Gaffalione will likely have Fearthefalcon in a stalking position after he breaks from post 6.

Mach My Day, by Mach Ride
Last 3 Beyers: 76-80-57

◗ He is coming off two solid performances in similar races and could be sitting on a big effort in his third start for trainer Ruben Gracida, who has solid numbers with horses running in turf sprints.