Fire Starter returns to main track for one-mile feature
The turf experiment likely over, at least temporarily, Fire Starter will return to his preferred surface when he takes on six rivals in Friday’s second-level allowance/optional $62,500 claiming feature at Gulfstream Park.
Fire Starter was transferred to trainer David Fawkes this spring after spending the winter at Oaklawn Park with Steve Hobby. He finished second and fourth in his first two local starts while racing on grass for the first time.
“We wanted to try him on the turf, and he didn’t run that bad, but he didn’t win either,” said Fawkes. “He needs to step up a little more, and I think the dirt will be better for him. But he’s kind of a grinder, and he’s going to need some help with the pace on Friday.”
There isn’t a lot of speed signed on for the one-mile race, with Ledokol the likely pacesetter for trainer Marcial Navarro, who sends the stakes-placed gelding out for the first time since Dec. 19. Ledokol was beaten a head in the seven-furlong Trinniberg here last summer and seeks his first victory since completing a three-race win streak with a convincing 8 1/4-length triumph in optional-claiming company 14 months ago.
Trainer Mark Casse entered the uncoupled duo of Piloting and Southern Barbecue. They finished fourth and fifth under similar conditions June 19. That outing was the first of the season for Southern Barbecue, who placed in multiple stakes at 3 when trained by Stanley Gold.
Gold will go up against his former pupil Southern Barbecue with Wildcat Wish, who is in top form, having just missed when beaten a head by Rich Daddy while going a mile for the first time on dirt here last month.
Hy Kodiak Warrior, who finished two lengths behind Wildcat Wish but in front of both Piloting and Southern Barbecue on June 19, and outsider Joshua’s Comprise complete the field.
Race 8
KEY CONTENDERS
Wildcat Wish, by Wildcat Heir
Last 3 Beyers: 83-81-84
◗ He has finished first or second in seven of his 10 starts and has lured jockey Eddie Castro off Fire Starter.
Ledokol, by Pure
Last 3 Beyers: 74-80-94
Formulator Fact: Navarro has started just 13 horses off layoffs of six months or longer over the past five years, with only one of those horses winning.
Fire Starter, by Tapit
Last 3 Beyers: 81-83-78
Formulator Fact: Fawkes owns a mark of 26 winners from 157 starters going turf to dirt over the last five seasons, with a return on investment of $1.54.