Gulfstream notes: Palatine Hill targets Claiming Crown

The Claiming Crown in December remains the main long-term goal for the Peter Walder-trained Palatine Hill after the lanky gelding easily won for the fifth time in his last seven starts Thursday at Gulfstream.

Palatine Hill was claimed for $12,500 in January and remains eligible for several races in the $1 million Claiming Crown series, which will be run for the 16th time Dec. 6, opening day of the championship meet.

◗ There is not so much as an allowance race carded for Sunday at Gulfstream, where another four-day race week wraps up with an 11-race program. First post is 1:15 p.m. Eastern, with the nominal feature being a filly-mare starter allowance (race 9). Live video of the entire Gulfstream card is available on drf.com.

◗ Kirk Ziadie continues to win at a strong clip at Gulfstream. He won with two of three starters Thursday, giving him a 9-for-24 mark at the summer meet and making him 16 for 41 overall since he was fired in February by perennial leading owner Frank Calabrese. Ziadie’s winners Thursday were Yes That’s Me ($4.60) in the second and Trev ($18.20) in the eighth.

◗ Gulfstream has announced that it will host a College Day in conjunction with the next installment of the Florida Stallion series Sept. 6. A variety of attractions includes a bookstore drawing and barbecue buffet. Advance tickets are $10 and available through the Gulfstream website. “This is a great opportunity to reach out to our younger fans,” said Gulfstream president Tim Ritvo.

◗ The highlight at Gulfstream next weekend is the Monarchos, a $75,000 race in which the promising Marty Wolfson-trained colt Atreides will try to remain unbeaten in three starts. The Monarchos will be run Saturday as a one-turn mile. There are no graded stakes at Gulfstream until the championship meet.