Best Behavior looks chalky again
The third time could be the charm for Best Behavior, who has been favored in her last two starts. Best Behavior looks like the favorite again Friday at Gulfstream in an optional $62,500 claiming race for fillies and mares at a mile.
She was third as the favorite in the $60,000 Sea Lily Handicap at Gulfstream on May 30 and was again the chalk when finishing second by a neck there in the $60,000 Barely Even Handicap on June 20.
Best Behavior owns the field’s best last-race Beyer Speed Figure, an 88, and is the lone stakes winner in the seven-horse group by virtue of her victory in the $108,000 Glass Slipper on the Claiming Crown card last December at Gulfstream.
KEY CONTENDERS
Best Behavior (Last 3 Beyers: 88-68-80)
◗ She has fired some of her best races at the one-mile trip of Friday’s race. She was edged at the distance last out, and she collected her biggest win at the distance in the Glass Slipper.
◗ Best Behavior broke from the rail last time and dueled for the lead. She is in post 6 this time, which might give rider Edgard Zayas options.
◗ Marty Wolfson trains Best Behavior for Miller Racing. The same team also has Madaket Millie in the field Friday.
Elusive Harmony (Last 3 Beyers: 83-79-25)
◗ She steps up in class, but her confidence must be soaring with back-to-back wins at Gulfstream. Elusive Harmony won a $12,500 claiming race by two lengths May 9, then returned for a 9 1/4-length score in an optional $16,000 claimer May 24. Both races came at a mile.
◗ Tyler Gaffalione has the mount for trainer Sally Mitchelhill.
Mulhall stabling at Gulfstream
Southern California-based trainer Kristin Mulhall is setting up a division of horses at Gulfstream. She will have 12 head on the grounds for her first go-round in south Florida.
“I have a few owners that want to race there,” Mulhall told Gulfstream publicity officials. “I’m hoping to see how it goes there, and hopefully I’ll be able to grow there and have a stable on both [coasts].”
Mulhall saddled Imperialism to a third-place finish in the 2004 Kentucky Derby and sent out Tale of a Champion to win the Grade 2 Charles Whittingham Memorial in 2013.
◗ Purses will be increased an average of 10 percent beginning July 23, the track announced. Gulfstream’s third summer meet is up over its first two corresponding meets.