Barry Karafin Bets looks to start different kind of streak
Every odd-numbered race on the 12-race Sunday card at Gulfstream Park will be run on the main track. Every even-numbered race will be run on the turf – or so it’s hoped.
A steady barrage of summer rainstorms forced every grass race on the Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday cards at the South Florida track to the dirt, leading to scratch-laden fields. Furthermore, the forecast for more rain through the weekend had track officials keeping their fingers crossed that grass racing could still be held at least Saturday, when the opening legs in the Florida Sire Stakes highlighted a terrific 13-race program.
Either way, the only allowance (race 11) on a Sunday card otherwise comprising maiden and/or claiming races will be run on the dirt, regardless of weather. It’s a $47,000, six-furlong race governed by hybrid conditions that include “never won a race other than” and a $16,000 claiming option.
Barry Karafin Bets, a first-out winner off the Mike Napoli claim, heads a field of eight 3-year-olds and up in the nominal feature. The 5-year-old Texas-bred broke a 15-race losing streak when romping by six lengths in his most recent start June 23. Apprentice Cristian Torres will be aboard from post 1.
First post for the final card of a rare five-day race week is 12:45 p.m. Eastern. The 20-cent Rainbow 6, which had a jackpot of $386,770 when racing began Friday, spans races 7-12.
After Sunday, Gulfstream goes dark for three days before a four-day week begins Thursday.
KEY CONTENDERS
Barry Karafin Bets, by First Defence
Last 3 Beyers: 89-59-76
◗ An overdue end to his slump came with his last-out thumping of $25,000 “beaten” claimers for new conditioner Aubrey “Boogie” Maragh.
Rack Gin, by Include
Beyers: 78-29
◗ Sleeper of the group is a 3-year-old Kentucky-bred who drubbed maiden-specials when returning last month from a seven-month layoff for trainer Bobby Dibona.
Florida Cotton, by High Cotton
Last 3 Beyers: 68-83-74
◗ This gray 5-year-old has been nothing but steady throughout his 18-race career, with 14 in-money placings.
Fortunate Friends, by J P’s Gusto
Last 3 Beyers: 57-80-77
◗ His last-out attempt at a two-turn turf race seems a throwout, as he’s been much more reliable sprinting on the main track.