Conquest Big E back home for Coast Is Clear Stakes

Conquest Big E made a splash at Gulfstream Park in March, when he defeated comebacking Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming. He’s back at his home track Sunday and looking to recapture that sharp form in the $75,000 Coast Is Clear.

The Coast Is Clear is a one-turn mile overnight stakes for 3-year-olds and up.

Mr. Jordan, who is pushing $750,000 in career earnings, is part of the eight-horse field and could vie for favoritism with Conquest Big E. Others set to start include the Group 1 winners Big Daddy and Deland, and Hy Riverside, who owns the field’s best last-race Beyer Speed Figure, an 88, for an optional $62,500 claiming score last month at Gulfstream.

Coast Is Clear (Race 10)

KEY CONTENDERS

Conquest Big E, by Tapit

Last 3 Beyers: 76-100-90

◗ He ran one of the best races of his career March 31, when he seized command of the Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Mile at the start and never looked back for a three-length win over 2017 Kentucky Derby and Florida Derby winner Always Dreaming. Conquest Big E has made one start since, finishing fifth in the Grade 3 Westchester on May 5 at Belmont Park.

“I don’t think he’s a great shipper,” trainer Donna Green told publicity at Gulfstream. “He didn’t care for the racetrack at all. He didn’t care for the track during training. I was thinking about scratching, but I decided to go for it.”

◗ Conquest Big E used his excellent speed to wire the field last year in the Coast Is Clear, cruising by seven lengths while earning a Beyer Speed Figure of 94.

“He’s a horse who enjoys his surroundings at Gulfstream,” Green said. “He found a nice home.”

◗ Conquest Big E, who races for Daniel Hurtak, will break from post 4 under Jose Batista.

Mr. Jordan, by Kantharos

Last 3 Beyers: 61-95-68

◗ He is looking for his second win at Gulfstream in his last three starts. He captured the $100,000 Big Drama by 1 3/4 lengths May 12. He tracked the pace and forged to the lead in the stretch in the seven-furlong race, earning a Beyer of 95. Mr. Jordan has made one start since the Big Drama, finishing eighth after a slow start in the Grade 3 Smile Sprint at six furlongs June 30 at Gulfstream.

◗ Edgard Zayas has the mount from post 8 on Mr. Jordan, who is trained by Eddie Plesa Jr. He could get an ideal tracking trip.