Flutterby more than a sentimental favorite in Gold Mover
Bettors have selfish rooting interests, and understandably so, but if you happen to get beat by Flutterby in the Saturday feature at Gulfstream Park, well, there will be a measure of consolation in there somewhere.
Flutterby, a 4-year-old homebred, is owned and trained by Jerry Bozzo, who at 94 years young is relishing every moment in the twilight of his lengthy career in racing. Much was made of the way Flutterby ran off to a 9 1/4-length victory in the Sea Lily at Gulfstream on May 30, and now she’s back in a similar spot Saturday at the south Florida track in the $75,000 Gold Mover.
Luca Panici has a return call on Flutterby, who will break from post 5 as the likely favorite in a field of seven fillies and mares in the six-furlong Gold Mover. It’s carded as the fourth of 11 races on a program that starts at 1:15 p.m. Eastern. One allowance (race 8) also is on tap.
The Gold Mover is named for the Ned Evans homebred who was a standout for trainer Mark Hennig from 2000-03, winning 13 of 31 starts and more than $1.5 million.
KEY CONTENDERS
Flutterby (Last 3 Beyers: 94-98-85)
◗ She was a terrific second behind the Hennig-trained Merry Meadow in the Grade 2 Princess Rooney in her last start on the July 5 Summit of Speed program, making her a clear-cut favorite in here.
Ultimate Shopper (Last 3 Beyers: 71-88-41)
◗ Can’t blame her connections for trying a Grade 2 at Saratoga last out, and although the gray mare beat a steady fade, she sure seems to fit in this return home.
◗ She adds blinkers for Ralph Nicks, who continues to have a big summer meet.
Celebrity Star (Last 3 Beyers: 86-54-88)
◗ In-and-out mare with a useful turn of foot goes turf to dirt and comes favorably drawn in the outside post.
◗ She is looking to reprise her big effort in the May 3 Sunrise.
Distinta (Last 3 Beyers: 69-74-65)
◗ Three-year-old tries older and wheels back three weeks after a sharp outing in allowance company. She will need a peak try to top these.
Quiet Hour (Last 3 Beyers: 71-67-64)
◗ It couldn’t be a filly-and-mare stakes at Gulfstream without some Marty Wolfson representation, could it? This one has struggled lately but does sport solid back-form.