Clement runners key to late pick four

The nine-race card at Gulfstream Park on Sunday concludes with an intriguing pick four. If things fall the right way, the multi-race wager could pay a decent price. Likely favorites trained by Christophe Clement in the sixth and last race will have a big impact on the payoff, though.

Race 6: Mission of Hope, trained by Clement, is a possible single in this maiden special weight race on Tapeta. The Kentucky-bred daughter of Candy Ride received plenty of betting support when she debuted in a maiden special weight race on April 7, and after getting away a step slow in the mile and 70-yard race, she trailed the field while the winner was setting modest fractions.

She made a nice move but went extremely wide on the stretch turn and flattened out late. It was a strong effort, and there is every reason to believe she will take a big step forward with a race behind her while coming back at the same distance.

If not Mission of Hope, the race is wide open. The Victor Barboza Jr.-trained Tinta Roja is coming off a strong effort on turf and could win if she runs as well on Tapeta. She did not fire when she debuted on a synthetic surface, though. Victory Girl, Grand Lady Mo, and Boots On the Moon also could be used.

Race 7: No standouts in this first-level allowance race for Florida-bred fillies and mares that carries a $20,000 claiming option. The one-mile race on turf drew nine horses, none seemingly trustworthy.

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Burnaway finished a close third going 7 1/2 furlongs on turf two starts back Feb. 23 for trainer David Fawkes and won’t mind the surface switch after a dull effort going six furlongs on dirt March 31.

Big Band Luzzian, trained by Fernando Abreu, took them a long way going a mile on turf in a $25,000 conditioned claimer April 21 and might forget to stop. Victory Badge looked good winning a maiden special weight race on turf Nov. 10 at Laurel Park and being a 3-year-old could have plenty of upside for trainer Michael Trombetta. Crystal Coast and Boston Princess also could do some damage if they show up with their best stuff.

Race 8: Contention runs deep in this first-level allowance race for Florida-breds going six furlongs on the synthetic course. Adios Babe, the only horse taking advantage of the $20,000 claiming option, isn’t the most consistent horse, but his five-length victory in a $12,000 starter/$16,000 optional-claiming race two back would get the job done for trainer Jennifer Young.

Bluish has speed, gets in with a feather, and could improve in his first start for trainer Jose D’Angelo, who has a 24 percent strike rate with claimed horses running back the first time over the past five years. Sin for a Season, Jayana, and Unrelentless are not out of the question.

Race 9: I’m living or dying with Eastern Empress, who ran a huge race at Tampa Bay Downs in her first start in North America for Clement. Bred in England, the daughter of Dubawi may have moved too soon into a fast pace in the 1 1/16-mile turf race. The cutback to a mile won’t hurt, and she could be a handful with a patient ride from Luca Panici.

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