Delta Bluesman gets shot at redemption in optional claimer

Delta Bluesman will try to make amends for his last-place finish as the favorite last out when he runs in a $62,500 optional-claiming race at Gulfstream Park on Wednesday. The six-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up drew six horses and headlines an eight-race card that begins at 12:55 p.m. Eastern.

Delta Bluesman looks like the one to beat but is hard to use as a single in the Rainbow 6, which has a $434,747 carryover.

Trained by Jorge Navarro, Delta Bluesman had a big excuse for his flop as the chalk in a $25,000 optional-claiming race with starter conditions March 27. After breaking from the outside post in the five-furlong sprint, he pressed a fast pace while going five wide in a race where the speed collapsed. He also may have bounced after earning a career-best 97 Beyer Speed Figure for his runner-up finish on dirt in the $60,000 Rail Sprint on Feb. 15.

The honest 6-year-old is versatile and is capable of either stalking what figures to be a modest pace or taking them all the way if he breaks on top from the rail with jockey Miguel Vazquez aboard.

Abounding Legacy was coming off a two-month layoff when he finished second in a one-mile race at this level March 19. The Ralph Nicks trainee figures to move forward in his second start back.

KEY CONTENDERS

Delta Bluesman, by Wagon Limit

Last 3 Beyers: 73-97-76

◗ It is easy to toss his latest, and he came back with a bullet four-furlong work at Gulfstream West on April 6.

DRF FORMULATOR FACT: Over the past five years, Navarro has a 27 percent strike rate with horses moving from turf to dirt.

Abounding Legacy, by Flashstorm

Last 3 Beyers: 88-79-87

◗ After being overmatched in the $250,000 Sunshine Millions Classic, he came back with a strong effort at this level.

◗ He probably wants a bit more distance, but he was an easy winner going seven furlongs the last time he ran in a sprint.

Hear That Tune, by Hear No Evil

Last 3 Beyers: 75-87-60

◗ Trained by Stanley Gold, he was taken out of his game when he got off to a poor start in a similar race March 20.

◗ He is 12-1 on the morning line and could spice up the Rainbow 6 if he clears early in a race where there isn’t a ton of speed.

Mitos Y Leyendas, by Kantharos

Last 3 Beyers: 86-79-82

◗ The versatile 4-year-old has won half of his 14 starts, including his last three races, for trainer Tamara Levy.