Deputy Minister Handicap preview

Race 3 - Gulfstream Park
6 1/2 Furlongs
Deputy Minister Handicap (Grade 3)
4-year-olds and upward
Purse $100,000

HIGH FINANCE was off slowly, and buried on the inside for the entire trip in the Grade 3 Mr. Prospector Handicap here four weeks ago, but still was gaining ground on KELLY'S LANDING in the lane, and galloped out past that one after the wire. He improved his Beyer 12 points the last time he made his second start following a layoff line, and similar improvement would put him in the winner's circle on Saturday. High Finance projects for a nice stalking trip outside of likely pacesetter KEYED ENTRY, and may get first crack at that foe turning for home.
SIR GREELEY boasts improving Beyer Speed Figures, and the Grade 3 winner classes up extremely well with these. LIke High Finance, he should enjoy a good pace-tracking trip while in the clear, but he failed to switch leads last time out in the Hal's Hope, and often settles for minor spoils. KELLY'S LANDING re-affirmed his affinity for this racetrack with a solid Mr. Prospector score, but one could make the case that he's better at 6 furlongs, and he's likely to be overbet off that last win.
NAR handles the distance just fine, but will be taking a big step up in class. KEYED ENTRY has speed and talent, but hasn't finished ahead of a horse since his third-place finish in the Wood Memorial last April.

Selections:
1. High Finance
2. Sir Greeley
3. Kelly's Landing.