Fast Venezuela comes into feature off sharp work

Competition runs deep in a $35,000 starter with a $35,000 claiming option for 2-year-old fillies that headlines the 11-race card at Gulfstream Park on Sunday.

The races are the same that were canceled last Sunday when it was feared Hurricane Dorian would land in the Miami area. Fortunately, for the local population, the hurricane changed course and wreaked its havoc elsewhere.

The six-furlong feature drew nine horses and they are hard to separate.

Fast Venezuela will be among the favorites. Running over a sloppy main track, the Orlyana Farm homebred rolled to a 3 3/4-length victory over Foxy Lady when she debuted in a $25,000 maiden claiming race on Aug. 3. Foxy Lady came back to win a $25,000 maiden claimer on Aug. 22.

Fast Venezuela put in a sharp four-furlong work on Aug. 24, and trainer Alexis Delgado appears to have her primed for another strong effort.

If she is anything like her half-brother Bright Venezuelan, she may have a future on turf. Racing for trainer Steve Klesaris, Bright Venezuelan has a 5-6-2 record from 19 starts on grass for earnings of $130,330.

Fast Venezuela will break from post 6 with Emisael Jaramillo up.

KEY CONTENDERS

Fast Venezuela, by Poseidon’s Warrior

Beyer: 48

◗ She was impressive winning her debut and is eligible to take a big step forward with the experience behind her.

◗ She thrived running over a sloppy track, and with thundershowers in the area she could get what may be her preferred surface.

Raven, by Brethern

Beyers: 19-53

◗ Trained by Oscar Gonzalez, she was a front-running winner when she debuted for $25,000 and then came back with a runner-up finish to Lenzi’s Lucky Lady in the $75,000 Golden Isles.

◗ She can be forgiven for finishing sixth in her next start, the $100,000 Desert Vixen division of the Florida Stallion Stakes, as she was bumped pretty hard soon after the start in the six-furlong dash, won by Lenzi’s Lucky Lady. Toss the race and she looks like a serious contender with leading rider Edgard Zayas picking up the mount.

Princess Ulele, by Uncaptured

Beyers: 44-40

◗ Trained by David Fawkes, she improved when she rallied to win a $25,000 maiden claimer in her second start.

◗ Her ability to rate could serve her well in a race that appears to have plenty of speed.

◗ She will break from post 4 with Albin Jimenez riding.