Gierkink's preview: Sandys Hurricane back on Poly

There is a 2014 Horse of the Year running on Friday’s nine-race card, but she’s not in the featured optional event. Sandys Hurricane, who recently was declared Fort Erie’s Horse of the Year, will try to extend her win streak to five races in the seventh, a $32,000 claimer going 6 1/2 furlongs.

Sandys Hurricane (8-1) used an aggressive speed style during her recent roll on the dirt at Fort Erie, and she could control the front-end proceedings again here under regular rider Kirk Johnson. The John Simms-trained 3-year-old graduated for $16,000 here in the spring, which was the only time she hit the board in six Polytrack starts.

If Sandys Hurricane throws craps, then Ciboulette (15-1) could pick up the pieces in her second start in the selling ranks. The versatile 5-year-old rallied from off fast fractions for second last time in a $32,000 grass sprint won by Miss Giacomo. The latter also is in the eight-horse field, but she’s a turf expert who’s winless on synthetics.

The dropper Eastern Atlantic (5-2) is a vulnerable favorite, with Patrick Husbands riding for trainer Ricky Griffith.

Jackpot Hi 5 carryover building

The Jackpot Hi 5 carryover heading into the finale is $142,215.

The $12,500 non-winners of two claimer can probably be pared down to Mega Length (6-1), who’s back at the seven-furlong distance over which he won his maiden following a failed turf experiment; the dropper Stevie Loves Women (4-1); and Justin’s Tapit (3-1), who narrowly lost his return from a one-year layoff against easier Oct. 1.

Horse to Watch

DECISION DAY
Trainer: Jose Carroll
Last race: Oct. 13, 1st
Finish: 1st by 2 1/2
Beyer: 62

After missing the break, he made a premature wide rally on the far turn to take the lead heading into the stretch, where he weaved in and out before holding sway. The 2-year-old Macho Uno colt appears to possess lots of talent and should be headed for stakes company.