Guy Caballero looks to end long win drought

Guy Caballero should be favored in a $40,000 optional-claiming race for 3-year-olds and up that headlines Sunday’s 10-race card at Gulfstream Park. He is not the kind of horse you can bet with confidence, though.

A 5-year-old, Guy Caballero is eligible for the nonwinners-of-three allowance conditions of the one-mile race on the main track, and his last victory came when he upset the $125,000 Plate Trial at Woodbine on June 1, 2017. He’s never won on dirt, but he owns the best last-race Beyer Speed Figure, and he hasn’t run a bad race in three starts at Gulfstream this year.

In his last start, he finished third in the Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Mile on March 30. Before that, he looked like he was home and cooled out when he was in front by 2 1/2 lengths at the eighth pole in a $25,000 optional claimer under John Velazquez on Feb. 27. However, he got nailed at the wire by Just Whistle, who rallied from last in the 1 1/16-mile race. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. is hoping he’s ready to finally get over the top Sunday.

“He’s doing really well,” Joseph said. “The horse that beat him with Johnny V riding came back to finish fourth in a Grade 3 at Keeneland. He was over his head in his last start, but it was a short field and he ran well. He likes the track here, and this looks like the right spot for him. It’s his race to win or lose.”

Guy Caballero is versatile and could get a nice trip sitting just off Aequor, who looks like the main speed. Guy Caballero will break from post 5 with Jalon Samuel aboard.

KEY CONTENDERS

Guy Caballero, by Quality Road

Last 3 Beyers: 84-85-82

◗ He was no match for Prince Lucky in the Gulfstream Park Mile, but it was a decent effort and he will appreciate the substantial class relief here.

◗ He also may have tipped his hand when he worked a sharp half-mile last Sunday.

Aequor, by Flatter

Last 3 Beyers: 83-56-66

◗ Trained by Oscar Gonzalez, he is stepping up in class, but he showed some promise when he was stakes-placed as a 2-year-old. He dominated his rivals in his last start, which came in a $25,000 claiming race.

◗ He is the speed of the speed and could be tough to reel in from the inside post with Emisael Jaramillo retaining the mount.

Eye of the Jedi, by Eye of the Leopard

Last 3 Beyers; 83-83-82

◗ The Steve Budhoo-trained 4-year-old should be rolling late, and he hasn’t finished worse than third in seven starts on the main track at Gulfstream.