Crumb Bun at top of her game for Escena Stakes

Stretching out to a mile for the first time, Crumb Bun tracked a moderate pace before drawing off to win a second-level allowance race that carried a $62,500 claiming option on July 24. She should get a similar trip in the $60,000 Escena for fillies and mares at Gulfstream Park on Sunday. The one-mile race drew six horses and goes as race 6 on an 11-race card that begins at noon Eastern.

The shape of the race should work for Crumb Bun, who showed she is capable of harnessing her speed in her 6 1/4-length romp in her latest race, which was originally scheduled for turf. The 4-year-old daughter of Afleet Alex is peaking right now. On May 28, she dueled through honest fractions before drawing away to win a first-level allowance race with a $25,000 claiming option. The 80 Beyer Speed Figure she received for her five-length victory in the 6 1/2-furlong dash was a career best at the time.

Crumb Bun came back with another strong effort, finishing second going 6 1/2 furlongs in a second-level allowance race with a $62,500 claiming option on June 26. She was given an 84 Beyer, which she equaled in her blowout win in her last outing.

She will break from post 5 with Cristian Torres retaining the mount.

:: Want to get your Past Performances for free? Click to learn more.

Helping Lisa D received an 84 Beyer Speed Figure for her victory on July 31 at the same level and distance as Crum Bun’s win.

With Miguel Vasquez riding, she came from a stalking position to edge Bella Ciao by a half-length. Nobody would blame owner-trainer Steven Dwoskin for doing a rain dance. A 5-year-old daughter of Flat Out, Helping Lisa D has a couple of wins and one third-place finish over wet tracks. If it does rain, she would likely be favored based on her 13-length romp in the slop going 1 1/16 miles in a second-level allowance race with a $62,500 claiming price on May 17.

She drew post 2 with Vasquez riding.

Reluctant Bride was coming off a lengthy layoff when she won a first-level allowance race with a $75,000 claiming option for 3-year-old fillies on July 23. She came from a stalking positon in the six-furlong dash, which was contested over a track rated good.

A Patrick Biancone-trained daughter of Speightstown, Reluctant Bride could take a big step forward with a race behind her. With just four starts, she probably has more to offer.

Prior to her sharp performance, she finished fourth going a mile in the Grade 2 Davona Dale on Feb. 29.

Luca Panici will be aboard when she breaks from post 4.