Fawkes has two for Miss Gracie

Trainer David Fawkes will take a two-pronged approach to the $75,000 Miss Gracie on Saturday at Gulfstream Park. He will saddle the proven stakes horse Florida Fuego and the proven turf horse American Frolic.

The Miss Gracie is for 3-year-old fillies at 7 1/2 furlongs on the grass. The field of 11 includes Midnight Soiree and Shanghai Starlet, who both have won overnight stakes during the spring-summer meet at Gulfstream, and Treasure for Gold, who is looking for her fourth consecutive win Saturday.

Fawkes said Thursday he would like firm turf for both Florida Fuego and American Frolic, but he is aware of an early forecast that called for a 50 percent chance of rain Saturday.

“They’ll both run if it’s off the turf,” he said.

Miss Gracie (Race 11)

KEY CONTENDERS

Florida Fuego, by Kantharos
Last 3 Beyers: 66-67-64

◗ She is moving to turf for the first time in her seven-race career, which includes wins in a pair of main-track sprints: the $100,000 Sophomore Fillies at Tampa Bay Downs in March and the $75,000 Liza Jane in June at Gulfstream Park.

“I think she’ll love it,” Fawkes said. “She’s by Kantharos, and they love the turf.”

Kantharos is getting a strong 18 percent winners from his first-time turfers, according to Daily Racing Form statistics.

◗ Florida Fuego will be making her first start since June 30, when she finished fourth in the $75,000 Azalea at Gulfstream.

“We freshened her up,” Fawkes said. “She runs good fresh. We’ll see what happens.”

◗ Jesus Rios has the mount from the rail for eFive Racing Thoroughbreds.

American Frolic, by Blame
Last 3 Beyers: 78-75-44

◗ She registered both of her wins on grass. She took a maiden special weight at the Miss Gracie’s distance in March at Gulfstream. More recently, American Frolic went from last to first in an optional $75,000 claiming race at a mile June 28 at Gulfstream. She won by a neck and earned her best Beyer Speed Figure, a 78.

“I was thrilled the way she ran last time,” Fawkes said. “She did everything right.”

◗ American Frolic is out of the mare Frolic’s Revenge, a multiple stakes winner who earned $346,075 and was 4 for 13 on turf.

◗ Miguel Vasquez has the mount from post 2 for Stride Rite Racing Stable.

Treasure for Gold, by Treasure Beach
Last 3 Beyers: 78-77-75

◗ She’s built her win streak over the local turf course, taking a trio of optional-claiming routes from June 3 to Aug. 24. The wins all came against older rivals, and she will be moving into the straight 3-year-old ranks Saturday.

◗ Treasure for Gold is a half-sister to millionaire and multiple Grade 3 winner Finallymadeit.