Distance may be only question for Septemberten in one-mile allowance

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – At first glance, Septemberten looks almost unbeatable in Friday’s $43,000 allowance feature at Gulfstream Park, carded for Florida-breds at a mile on the main track. But some handicappers may opt to search for an alternative to the heavy favorite, who has yet to win a race at a mile in four tries.

Septemberten was claimed in three consecutive races in late summer. He ended back where he started, in the barn of trainer Rohan Crichton, after finishing fourth going six furlongs over a sloppy strip in a Florida-bred allowance sprint here Sept. 18. The 6-year-old returned quick dividends for his latest connections by returning to defeat similar opposition Oct. 15. Septemberten rallied from near the rear of the field off a swift pace to a hard-fought nose decision at seven furlongs over a fast track.

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Septemberten earned an 83 Beyer Speed Figure for his most recent effort, easily the best last-out number of anyone in Friday’s headliner. In fact it is the fourth time Septemberten has Beyered from 81 to 84, starting when he was claimed away from Crichton for $12,500 out of a second-place finish Aug. 6.

The key question on Friday is whether Septemberten can repeat those performances going a mile, a distance he hasn’t tried since finishing a well-beaten fourth with a 69 Beyer here May 27.

Slim Slow Slider and Hercules may prove the most logical alternatives to those looking to side against the favorite.

Slim Slow Slider has been switched to the barn of trainer Peter Walder since finishing seventh under similar statebred allowance conditions here Sept. 3, after having spent the majority of the season campaigning primarily over synthetic surfaces and grass at Turfway Park and Horseshoe Indianapolis. Slim Slow Slider finished sixth in his only start on dirt, but has been working extremely well over the main track since joining Walder’s stable, including a bullet half-mile in 46.20 seconds late last Saturday morning.

Hercules has registered four of his five wins at a mile, including a one-length decision against open,$20,000 claiming company Sept. 23. He has been claimed out of his last three starts, with trainer Kelsey Danner sending him out under a $20,000 price tag on Friday

Noble Drama still strong at 7

Noble Drama proved here Saturday there was still life in the old boy yet. The 7-year-old took advantage of a wicked pace, circling the field and rallying from last to defeat a stellar field of allowance rivals. The victory was the first for the multiple stakes-winning Florida-bred since he captured an overnight handicap against open company 17 months earlier.

Owned by his trainer, David Fawkes, Noble Drama received a 97 Beyer Speed Figure, just a point less than his career best, received for a victory in the Wildcat Heir Stakes in September 2020.

Noble Drama won the race at the direct expense of the South American invader Super Corinto, who went postward the 8-5 favorite in his U.S. debut and turned in a huge effort. He prompted the sharp pace before taking control into the stretch, only to drift and falter in the latter stages while making his first start since becoming a Group 1 winner on April 30 in Chile.

The field also included Jesus’ Team, runner-up in the 2020 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, who was never a factor while finishing ninth making his first start since August 2021. Jesus’ Team had been sidelined by a series of ailments, including a chip in his ankle that required surgery along with cases of salmonella and laminitis.

“He’d needed the race,” trainer Jose D’Angelo said. “He’s been through a lot. I’m happy with his race.”

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