Gulfstream Park: Silver Freak fresh, fit for turf feature

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Silver Freak hasn’t raced since December and will be stepping up in class when he takes on eight rivals in Sunday’s $51,750 allowance feature at Gulfstream Park. But one would be hard pressed to look past the speedy Silver Freak, who figures to stand plenty of catching in the second-level optional $62,500 claimer at 1 1/16 miles on turf.

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Silver Freak has been idle since setting a lively pace to dominate entry-level optional $25,000 claiming company by five lengths on Dec. 19. The 5-year-old Silver Freak, who did not make his career debut until the summer of his 4-year-old campaign, has been working extremely well for his return at the Palm Meadows training facility, where he breezed a bullet five furlongs on the dirt on March 14 and a stamina-enhancing six furlongs in 1:13.40 in company with two stablemates, including the multiple Grade 3 winner Clearly Now.

Silver Freak’s major competition could come from several directions, including Wonderful Breeze, Gold Former, and Hakama.

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Wonderful Breeze wore blinkers for the first time but the new equipment was not enough to keep him from dropping a one-length decision after holding a short lead through midstretch when facing slightly softer competition two weeks ago. The blinkers, however, may have been a factor in helping him earn a 91 Beyer Speed Figure, the best he has posted in 18 lifetime starts.

Gold Former is coming off a victory against slightly lesser competition but at the more grueling distance of 1 1/2 miles. He looked very sharp zipping five furlongs over the main track in 59.44 seconds here last Saturday.

Hakama righted his ship somewhat following a pair of disappointing efforts when he rallied to finish fourth behind Pinball three weeks ago and is one of only two members of the field, along with Perfect Tay, who will race under a $62,500 claiming tag on Sunday.

◗ Fans are reminded that first post time when racing resumes here next Friday will be move to 1:25 p.m. daily.