Either Gallant Bloom or TCA for Curlin's Approval

Curlin’s Approval is gearing up for her next appearance. The multiple Grade 2 winner could start in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint, but the first step is a start at either Belmont Park or Keeneland, trainer Happy Alter said on Saturday.

Curlin’s Approval is being considered for either the Grade 2, $300,000 Gallant Bloom, a 6 1/2-furlong race for fillies and mares Sept. 23 at Belmont, or the Grade 2, $250,000 Thoroughbred Club of America, a six-furlong race for fillies and mares Oct. 6 at Keeneland.

“It boils down to those two races,” Alter said. “Running well in the one chosen would lead to that next step.”

The Grade 1, $1 million Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint will be run over seven furlongs Nov. 3 at Churchill Downs.

Curlin’s Approval won the $75,000 Sugarloaf Key in her last start Aug. 12 at Gulfstream Park. She had her first work back last Tuesday, breezing a half-mile in 50.40 seconds on a fast main track at Gulfstream.

“Just an easy first work back, and then next week there’ll be another one, a little quicker,” Alter said.

Alter bred Curlin’s Approval, a daughter of Curlin who has earned more than $650,000. He also owns the mare with the Bridlewood Farm operation of John and Leslie Malone.

Fla.-breds in spotlight Monday

Gulfstream Park puts on a special 12-race card Monday, and the featured fifth race spotlights Florida-breds. First post for the holiday program is 12:45 p.m. Central.

Famous Fact is the probable favorite in the seven-horse feature, an optional $16,000 claiming route for 3-year-olds and up that carries first-level allowance conditions. It will be run at a mile on turf. The race also drew a pair of main-track-only entrants in Chiseled and Over Sensual.

Famous Fact was beaten a half-length when second at this same condition in his most recent start Aug. 10 at Gulfstream. He rallied from last and picks up a bit more real estate off that about 7 1/2-furlong turf race, and he could sit a bit closer to the pace on Monday. Famous Fact earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 81 for his most recent effort, the best last-race number in the field Monday. Miguel Vasquez rides for trainer Juan Rizo.

My Point Exactly is moving back to two turns following a close sixth-place finish in a $16,000 claiming turf sprint Aug. 17 at Gulfstream. The added ground might suit the horse, whose highest recent Beyers have come routing. He also could be sitting on a peak race in what will be his third out since July 8.

Ambassador Jim is a 3-year-old facing older rivals, and he has reason to move forward off a sixth-place finish in a turf sprint Aug. 2 at Gulfstream. The race was his first in more than six weeks, and it came at a distance that might prove less than optimal for the colt, who is by the Galileo stallion Treasure Beach. Ambassador Jim’s dam, Pretty Imposing, is a multiple stakes winner who earned $276,338. Tyler Gaffalione has the mount for trainer Joe Orseno.