Brother Pat likely to seek early lead

OLDSMAR, Fla. – Brother Pat, who has used strong speed to take the first two legs of the Tampa Turf Test, leads an overflow field for Saturday’s 1 1/8-mile starter handicap on turf, as the two divisions of the grass series top an 11-race program.

Antonio Gallardo returns aboard Brother Pat for trainer Jamie Ness as the 6-year-old gelding concedes five to nine pounds to his rivals while going after his ninth career victory.

Claimed by Ness for $16,000 from a front-running victory in his first local start in November, Brother Pat led into the final furlong of a tough optional claimer at a mile on grass but finished third in his first outing for his new connections.

Ness moved him to the starter ranks for the first leg of the Turf Test at a mile, and the veteran responded with a front-running tally. He made it three wins at the current stand in his last out, again using his strong turn of foot to control the pace, then drawing off for a popular 3 3/4-length tally.

More Zen Tea has finished third and second to Brother Pat in his last two starts, and the 7-year-old with eight career wins is expected to be in close attendance to the favorite again Saturday.

Oxford Street, who has won four races since being claimed by trainer Baltazar Galvan, makes his first appearance in the Turf Test and should be closing late in this, his second start since August. A five-time winner on turf, the 1 1/8 miles of the feature should play to Oxford Street’s strengths.

Skiffs Brewmeister raced evenly when fifth behind Brother Pat last out but has a win over starter-allowance company at this distance at Monmouth last summer and rarely runs a poor race.

In the filly-and-mare division of the Turf Test, Cuppy Cakes shoots for her fifth win from nine starts over the Tampa turf course as she heads a 10-horse field in the 1 1/8-mile seventh race.

KEY CONTENDERS

Brother Pat (Last 3 Beyers: 88-85-84)

◗ He is at the top of his game, and there doesn’t appear to be much speed in the field to push him early. His price will be short, but it is hard to go against him.

Oxford Street (Last 3 Beyers: 56-75-74)

◗ He prepped for this race in a sprint following a 5 1/2-month layoff. He has improved considerably for Galvan, and a fresh horse might be the best way to try to beat the favorite.

On the Loose Again (Last 3 Beyers: 67-78-79)

◗ He makes his second start since October, has some back class, and has the speed to be in striking distance from the outset, so he is worth a look at a decent price.