Gulfstream Park Handicap first target for Palace Malice

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Trainer Todd Pletcher has confirmed that Belmont Stakes winner Palace Malice will launch his 2014 campaign here next Saturday in the Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Handicap. He is one of two major players from last year’s Triple Crown expected to begin their year in the one-mile Gulfstream Park Handicap, along with Preakness runner-up Itsmyluckyday.

Palace Malice has not started since finishing sixth after an unlucky trip in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. A son of Curlin owned by Dogwood Stable, Palace Malice also won the Grade 2 Jim Dandy and finished second in the Grade 1 Blue Grass at 3.

[Clocker Reports: Get Mike Welsch’s clocker reports from Gulfstream Park and Palm Meadows]

“Part of the decision to open the year here was scheduling-wise,” said Pletcher. “We kicked around the thought of going to New Orleans last week for the Mineshaft, but felt like maybe shipping twice this early in the season wouldn’t be a great idea. We felt like the horse showed enough speed in his early races to suggest a mile is well within his range. Plus it might give us some insight on what to do moving forward.”

Pletcher said he was delighted with what Palace Malice accomplished during his 3-year-old campaign.

“He was a little bit unlucky a couple of times last year – half a length here or there and he could have had an unbelievable season,” said Pletcher. “He went to Aiken after the Breeders’ Cup, they turned him out a little bit there, and kept him in light training. We’re excited about getting him back. We always felt he was the type of horse that could continue to develop as he got older.”

Pletcher said that by running him next Saturday, it would keep several options in play for Palace Malice’s next start, including starts at Fair Grounds or Oaklawn. Later this year the Met Mile is a possibility, he said.

Itsmyluckyday has been idle since being pulled up during the Grade 3 Pegasus last June at Monmouth Park after suffering a pelvic fracture that ultimately required surgery. He has been working steadily for his return this winter at Palm Meadows, where he worked five furlongs in 1:01.45 on Thursday.

“We’re leaning towards the Gulfstream Park Handicap,” said trainer Eddie Plesa Jr. “I’d say the chances are better than not we’ll be in it. I just want to see what his energy level is on the racetrack coming out of the work. We’ve taken this much time with him, we just want to make sure everything is perfect.”

A field of six to eight is expected for the Gulfstream Park Handicap. According to stakes coordinator Kevin Meyocks, the starting lineup should also include Falling Sky, Narvaez, Reveron, and Sr. Quisqueyano, with Golden Ticket and Uncaptured both listed as possibilities.