Be Playful vs. Vendita in Thursday rematch

Be Playful wasn’t able to catch Vendita when she was favored in a $25,000 starter optional-claiming race on turf at Gulfstream Park on March 29. With a little more distance and possibly a favorable pace scenario, she could turn the tables Thursday in a one-mile, $35,000 starter race on turf that drew seven horses.

Be Playful was understandably favored over Vendita last time. Trained by Mike Maker, the 6-year-old mare was coming off a runner-up finish to Temple Fur in the $60,000 Mary Todd on Feb. 20, and she rarely runs a bad race. In her only other start in 2017, she finished second on Polytrack at Turfway Park in a $40,000 optional-claiming race Jan. 26.

Ridden by Jose Ortiz in her last start, Be Playful got hung out three wide on the first turn while Vendita was walking up front. Ortiz could tell the pace was slow and moved her into serious contention after a half-mile. With no serious early pressure, Vendita had plenty left to hold off the determined Be Playful and win by three-quarters of a length.

Tyler Gaffalione picks up the mount from Ortiz. He likely will have Be Playful in a stalking position after she breaks from post 4.

Vendita is going for the hat track. She could get it if she can avoid getting into a duel with Murray’s Girl, who also has good speed and figures to be gunned to the lead from the outside post.

Trained by Patrick Biancone, Vendita sat just off a fast pace when she won going a mile on turf in a $25,000 claiming race for nonwinners of three Feb. 15.

She drew the rail. Emisael Jaramillo, aboard for both of her wins, retains the mount.

KEY CONTENDERS

Be Playful, by Pure Prize
Last 3 Beyers: 83-84-75

◗ The top money earner in the field shows up just about every time and could get set up nicely if they all go.

Vendita, by Smart Strike
Last 3 Beyers: 85-79-72

◗ She has never been better, is versatile, and could get a perfect trip sitting just off speed that probably won’t last.

Biamonte, by Afleet Alex
Last 3 Beyers: 53-84-84

◗ Trained by Edwin Broome, she won four straight races last year before finishing sixth in the Grade 3 Violet at Monmouth on Sept. 10. In her next start, she ran a very dull race when finishing last in a $62,500 optional claimer at Gulfstream on Dec. 15. This will be her first race since then.

FORMULATOR FACT: Over the past five years, Broome has a 14 percent strike rate with horses coming back in 61 to 180 days.