Bougainvillea looks like race anybody could win
Only six pounds separates the entire field of 10 fillies and mares in the Saturday feature at Gulfstream Park, the Bougainvillea Handicap, a weight spread that helps to illustrate the wide-open nature of the five-furlong turf race.
Fascinate, starting from post 1 with Jesus Rios aboard, has been tabbed as the 121-pound highweight by racing secretary P.J. Campo for the $60,000 Bougainvillea, although four or five of her rivals appear equally capable of victory.
Trainer Ralph Nicks will send out the uncoupled pair of Zamquick and Angie’s Prim Lady in the Bougainvillea, the ninth of 11 races at the south Florida track. Zamquick, recently sent to him by owner Mandy Pope, “has the class to be very competitive,” said Nicks. “She has schooled well and looks good.”
The Bougainvillea, formerly run at Hialeah, anchors a terrific program that includes two allowances (races 4 and 10) and a pair of Lasix-free events for 2-year-old maiden fillies (races 6 and 8).
First post is 1 p.m. Eastern, with the feature set for 5:00 and the last race at 6:00.
Bougainvillea Handicap, Race 9
KEY CONTENDERS
Fascinate (Last 3 Beyers: 85-80-75)
◗ Steady-going mare went on a 5-for-6 tear when specializing in these races last year and now looks to break a five-race losing skein; has squared off against many of these already, acquitting herself well.
Zamquick (Last 3 Beyers: 73-74-76)
◗ Florida-bred mare met some tough opposition in Kentucky and Florida in recent months when trained by Eddie Kenneally and figures to sit a good trip here under Tyler Gaffalione.
Silver Sashay (Last 3 Beyers: 83-77-78)
◗ Will be trying for a third straight victory after throttling lesser company when trained by Kirk Ziadie, who continues to have licensing issues; she and jockey Edgard Zayas could take some catching out front.
Little Michelle (Last 3 Beyers: 70-71-80)
◗ Throw out her defeat two weeks ago in the Grade 2 Princess Rooney and suddenly she has the look of a viable challenger, especially if she can perform the way she did in winning the Gracie Handicap here May 16; will have to pass a lot of them.
Joann’s Wildcat (Last 3 Beyers: 76-77-76)
◗ Usually well backed in these sorts of races, she comes well drawn for Monarch Stables and the red-hot Larry Pilotti when likely to be a race-long pace factor from the outer post; a little follow-through would help.
Celebrity Star (Last 3 Beyers: 54-88-63)
◗ If races have to be transferred to dirt, as occasionally happens at this time of year in Florida, then her main-track form would make her one of the favorites for veteran Dave Kassen.