Golden Finish drops, returns to dirt

It was on this day a year ago that Golden Finish’s value went up exponentially, when her older half-brother, Mucho Macho Man, eked out a nose win in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic. He has since been retired, but Golden Finish is in the midst of a productive year and will attempt to get a Nov. 2 win of her own on Sunday in the ninth race at Gulfstream Park West.

Eight fillies and mares will go a mile and 70 yards in a first-level optional $16,000 claimer.

Golden Finish will start as one of the top choices moving back to both the overnight ranks and dirt, site of her last win. Her chief rivals include Elusive Harmony, a 14-length winner of an optional $10,000 claimer last out, and Trevi Chic, who invades from Hawthorne. The field includes Group 2 winner La Reina Serena.

KEY CONTENDERS

Golden Finish (Last 3 Beyers: 53-77-74)

◗ She won her maiden on the main track at Gulfstream Park West in May and will be returning to dirt for the first time since then. On turf, Golden Finish placed in a trio of allowances before finishing off the board last out in the $75,000 Wasted Tears.

◗Golden Finish has a useful stalking style and might get an ideal trip behind Sofialeonor, Elusive Harmony, Horsin’ Around, and perhaps Trevi Chic.

◗Jesus Rios has the mount.

Trevi Chic (Last 3 Beyers: 61-9-63)

◗She was third in a money allowance last out for trainer Christine Janks.

◗Trevi Chic is a half-sister to the stakes winner and Grade 1-placed filly Her Emmynency.