Favorite Heir could be vulnerable in allowance

Favorite Heir and Completely Bonkers look like the main players in a first-level allowance race with a $16,000 claiming option that will serve as Friday’s feature at Gulfstream Park West. The 7 1/2-furlong dash restricted to Florida-breds drew seven horses entered for turf. Li’l Meatball and Joshua’s Comprise will start if the race gets moved to the main track.

Trained by Lilli Kurtinecz, Favorite Heir has the best recent Beyer Speed Figures and is coming off a runner-up finish going 1 1/16 miles on turf in a $12,500 starter race with a $16,000 claiming option July 4 at Gulfstream Park.

If he were coming back a little sooner, he would be a standout. However, the layoff is a concern and he also is running for a tag for the first time since he finished sixth in a $12,500 conditional claimer at Gulfstream Park West in his final start of 2016 for trainer Allan Hunter.

He wasn’t much of a factor in his first start of the year for Kurtinecz, but he hasn’t missed a beat since, and the only time in his last six starts he didn’t finish in the top three was in the $100,000 Soldier’s Dancer where he only lost by two lengths and earned an 86 Beyer. After winning his second start for Kurtinecz, he was good enough to finish third behind $1.8 million multiple Grade 1 winner World Approval in the EG Vodka Turf Classic on April 2 at Tampa Bay Downs.

The 4-year-old Florida-bred will break from the rail with Emisael Jaramillo riding.

Completely Bonkers is coming off a runner-up finish in a one-mile race on turf at this level Oct. 1 at Gulfstream and is eligible to move forward in his second start following a layoff for trainer Ralph Ziadie.

He drew post 2 with Tyler Gaffalione retaining the mount.

:: 2017 Breeders' Cup Clocker Report: Get workout grades, comments, and more

KEY CONTENDERS

Favorite Heir, by Wildcat Heir

Last 3 Beyers: 85-86-87

◗ If he does show up with his best stuff, he’ll be tough to beat. However, he’s had just one work since he last ran July 4, and it isn’t very encouraging to see him in for a price.

Completely Bonkers, by Giacomo

Last 3 Beyers: 79-75-81

◗ A five-time winner with $217,110 in earnings, he has good tactical speed and should get a nice trip stalking what should be an honest and contested pace.

He’s the One, by General Quarters

Last 3 Beyers; 70-75-83

◗ Trained by Douglas Potter, he shouldn’t mind being back on turf following a rough trip in the washed off $100,000 Bear’s Den on Sept. 24.

◗ He also will appreciate the class relief after running in three straight stakes races, plus, he ran well in both of his starts over this surface as a 2-year-old last year.

Without Remorse, by Awesome of Course

Last 3 Beyers: 78-71-64

◗ In his first try with winners, the lightly raced 3-year-old finished a half-length behind Completely Bonkers for trainer Michelle Nihei.