Gulfstream: McLaughlin planning a course for It’s Tricky

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin reported that Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic runner-up Its Tricky is galloping daily at Palm Meadows and could run once and perhaps even twice during the current Gullfstream Park meet.

“It’s a long year, and I’m not sure what we’ll do with her yet, although the Rampart at the end of March is possible, with a prep in late February in the Sabin a potential stepping-stone to that race,” said McLaughlin.

The Grade 3 Rampart will be run on the Florida Derby undercard on March 31.

McLaughlin will also have two other Breeders’ Cup starters, Alpha and Rattlesnake Bridge, on hand here this winter.

Alpha, a son of Bernardini, was second behind Union Rags in the Grade 1 Champagne before finishing a disappointing 11th in the Juvenile.

“He was bad in the gate before the Juvenile, lost a lot right there, then was wide around both turns,” said McLaughlin. “He might not have liked the track either. The bottom line is that he just didn’t do well that day. We’ve schooled him at the gate since getting him up here at Palm Meadows, he’s been good, and I’ve got him nominated to the stakes on Jan. 1.”

McLaughlin was referring to the inaugural Gulfstream Park Derby at 1 1/16 miles on New Years Day.

McLaughlin said Rattlesnake Bridge, who was never a factor in the Classic, was sent to the Vinery in Ocala, Fla., for 45 days after the Breeders’ Cup and is due into Palm Meadows shortly.

“The Donn comes up a little quickly, but we could see him run here before the end of the meet,” said McLaughlin, who also noted that Soldat is back galloping at Palm Meadows but has yet to work

Soldat, winner of the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth here last winter, has not raced since finishing 11th in the Kentucky Derby.