Gaby G eyes another

MIAMI - Gaby G had gone 11 starts and nearly 10 months between victories before her three-length triumph on Sept. 7. On Monday, she should waste little time winning another when she faces eight other fillies and mares in the $32,000 allowance feature at 6 1/2 furlongs.

Gaby G had only a pair of third-place finishes to show for her first eight starts this year, when trainer Luis Olivares dropped her from a third-level to a second-level optional claimer Sept. 7. The drop and a perfect trip did the trick as Gaby G chased the speedy Rebecca's Charm, easily overtook her, and drew away in the final furlong. Rebecca's Charm flattered that performance when she returned to win at the same level 13 days later.

Leading rider Cornelio Velasquez will have a return call aboard Gaby G, who drew post 1.

Gaby G's opponents are no better than those she defeated earlier this month.

Zona's Zipper, who easily defeated Gaby G in two second-place finishes earlier this year, will be the one to catch. Claimed by trainer Harold Rose following a pair of mid-priced claiming wins during the opening three weeks of the meet, Zona's Zipper finished second against third-level optional claiming competition twice in 18 days in June. She has started just once since, finishing third going five furlongs on the turf on Aug. 19.

Sailingforpennies turns back in distance after finishing a tiring third going a mile against similar competition Sept. 13 and should be coming on strong at the end.

Superbowl Picc has been knocking on the door at this level in her last three starts. She was beaten 3 1/4 lengths by Gaby G in their previous encounter.

Plans for Band Is Passing

Trainer Stanley Ersoff said he is considering pre-entering Band Is Passing for the Breeders' Cup Mile, although Band Is Passing most likely will run in the $100,000 Flying Pidgeon Handicap here Oct. 19.

Band Is Passing came off a 5 1/2-month layoff and upset Pisces to win the Grade 3 Miami Mile Breeders' Cup Handicap on Labor Day.

"You always think about the Breeders' Cup, so I'll pre-enter and see if he has a chance to get in," said Ersoff.