Big names send contenders in turf allowance
Rare is the Tuesday card at Gulfstream Park West, but this Tuesday the Miami track will host 10 races, including back-to-back allowances, in honor of the Veterans Day holiday.
The richer and more attractive of the two allowances is a $37,000 first-level turf route that drew contenders from the barns of Todd Pletcher, Marty Wolfson, and Christophe Clement. It is carded as the eighth race and directly precedes a $35,000 allowance sprint restricted to Florida-breds.
Belle de Lawers, trained by Clement, is a lukewarm program choice among 12 fillies and mares in the eighth race, which is scheduled for 1 1/16 miles out of the infield chute. Well backed when fifth at Belmont Park in her only North American start, Belle de Lawers comes well drawn in post 2 with Joe Bravo to ride.
First post Tuesday is 12:35 p.m. Eastern, with the eighth race at 3:58, the ninth at 4:27, and the last at 5. Wednesday is dark, with racing resuming Thursday.
KEY CONTENDERS
Poor Etiquette (Last 3 Beyers: 72-72-73)
◗ One of two Wolfson entrants (with Wait No More) in here, this daughter of Put It Back did some nice work this year in her first tour of duty with Wolfson when capturing a pair of turf races at Gulfstream Park. Wolfson trained Poor Etiquette for her first 10 starts, Rick Violette took over for five, and Wolfson got her back for her last start.
Belle de Lawers (Beyer: 70)
◗ Her U.S. debut at Belmont Park last month was a pretty good showing, especially since she figures to fare better with that race under her belt while being given what amounts to class relief with the move to this circuit.
Jester and Me (Last 3 Beyers: 70-74-81)
◗ Her trainer, Mike Maker, has registered 6 wins and 3 seconds from his first 16 starters at this meet.
◗ She finished seventh here in the Cellars Shiraz last month and might have been too keen for that turf stakes. She stands to do better if given careful rating by Jesus Rios.
Dance Tap (Last 3 Beyers: 74-60-59)
◗ This gray Tapit filly broke loose in a big way after shipping south for the Pletcher barn, easily winning a maiden race last month with a flashy last-to-first run.
◗ Her Hall of Fame jockey, Edgar Prado, is experiencing a resurgence by making Florida a year-round circuit. He trailed only Edgard Zayas in the Gulfstream West standings heading into Tuesday.