Brasstown faces tough foe in feature

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – With an easy maiden win in his last start and leading trainer Jorge Navarro now directing his fortunes, Brasstown is liable to go postward the favorite in Thursday’s feature event at Gulfstream, a $47,000 optional-claiming race at 1 1/16 miles over the main track.

But the conditions of the race, which is open to horses offered for a $25,000 claiming price, make for an intriguing handicapping situation. Lightly raced Brasstown, with his single victory, goes against vastly more seasoned and accomplished rivals such as the 7-year-old Chiseled, who has won 16 times. Chiseled has 10 victories locally, including four in 2018 alone.

Chiseled, a popular item at the claim box throughout the season, has been freshened since finishing second under low-level starter allowance conditions here Sept. 30. He was reclaimed by trainer Peter Walder for $10,000 on Aug. 18. Walder lost the 7-year-old for $12,500 out of a win in February.

Brasstown, a $230,000 yearling purchase by Tiznow, finished off the board in his first five starts before leading throughout to win a maiden special weight test by 3 1/4 lengths over a sloppy track at Parx Racing on Oct. 27. He is one of two members of the field who will not compete for a claiming tag, along with Deputy Czar.