French Quarter poised to get that elusive win in Trinniberg Handicap

French Quarter appears to be sitting on a win going into the $50,000 Trinniberg Handicap at Gulfstream Park on Saturday. After all, he’s been the runner-up in his last three starts, and he really hasn’t run a bad race on dirt this year, compiling a 2-4-2 record from eight starts on the main track.

What he hasn’t done in four tries is win going the seven-furlong distance of the Trinniberg, which is restricted to 3-year-olds and up who have never won an open stakes race.

The Trinniberg drew a field of seven and goes as race 10 on a 12-race card that begins at 12:45 p.m. Eastern.

In his two starts at seven furlongs this year, French Quarter finished third at Gulfstream in the $100,000 Big Drama for Florida-breds on May 20 and third in the $100,000 Sir Shackleton on April 1. The Sir Shackleton is an open stakes race.

French Quarter is versatile. With Tyler Gaffalione aboard, he forced the pace in his runner-up finish going six furlongs in a $62,500 optional-claiming race July 22. Gaffalione brought him from well back when he finished second at the same level going 5 1/2 furlongs on June 24.

With Gaffalione riding Disco Partner in the Grade 1 Fourstardave at Saratoga on Saturday, Edgard Zayas picks up the mount on French Quarter for trainer David Fawkes. Zayas likely will put the 6-year-old gelding into a stalking position after he breaks from post 5.

KEY CONTENDERS

French Quarter, by Shakespeare

Last 3 Beyers: 83-85-89

◗ It is hard to knock his consistency, and he should get a nice trip sitting off Harryhee, who has never won a race longer than six furlongs.

Richard the Great, by Distorted Humor

Last 3 Beyers: 84-79-76

◗ He took a huge step forward for trainer Stanley Gold when he upset French Quarter on July 22, and he should get a similar stalking trip here.

◗ He didn’t race in 2016, but he is certainly trending in the right direction, and as a lightly raced 5-year-old with just eight starts, his best races could be in front of him.

Indian Guide, by Cowboy Cat

Last 3 Beyers: 77-92-89

◗ Nothing but turf for him lately, but the only time he raced on dirt, he romped going seven furlongs in a conditional claimer at Gulfstream last year.

◗ Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., he didn’t fire in the $50,000 Mecke on July 9, but it was his first start since he finished third in a starter stakes Feb. 20.

Very Very Stella, by High Cotton

Last 3 Beyers: 84-71-83

◗ The improving 5-year-old was no match for the heavily favored Conquest Big E in the $50,000 Coast Is Clear on July 23, but he finished four lengths clear of the third-place finisher in the one-mile race.

◗ Trained by Jose Noda-Fernandez, he has won at the distance and should appreciate the easier company.