Henry's Song seeks to reward loyal backers in turf sprint
There’s usually an explanation for why certain horses take more wagering action than seems reasonable. In the case of a filly named Henry’s Song, the beaten favorite in two recent races at Gulfstream Park West, the most likely one is this: Christophe Clement.
Clement is enjoying his best year since first hanging a shingle in the United States in 1991. With graded stakes wins from standouts such as Summer Front, Aigue Marine, Lubash, and, most notably, Belmont Stakes winner Tonalist, Clement has racked up stable earnings of more than $8.8 million in 2014.
Bettors tend to affiliate themselves with success, as comforting as it is, but it remains to be seen whether the vaunted Clement reputation can be upheld Friday, when Henry’s Song returns to action in the nominal $37,000 feature at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Fla.
Henry’s Song is part of an oversubscribed field of fillies and mares in the ninth of 10 Friday races, a first-level allowance with a $25,000 claiming option at five furlongs on turf. Joe Bravo has a return call from post 9.
First post is 12:35 p.m. Eastern, with the feature set for 4:27. One starter allowance (race 7) also is on a card otherwise filled by claiming events.
KEY CONTENDERS
Henry’s Song (Last 3 Beyers: 63-71-75)
◗ The rallying maiden score here in February probably continues to allure fans, as does her just-off-it running style, which theoretically would be well served by a hot pace up front. Still, a little follow-through would do.
◗ With career earnings of $97.6 million, Clement, 49, is on pace to become the 15th trainer in North American racing history to surpass the $100 million mark during the first few months of 2015.
Catching Fireflies (Last 3 Beyers: 74-74-59)
◗ She pressed all the pace in her first try for new connections before holding for third in a similar spot in October at Gulfstream Park West; would do well to show a little more early restraint when saving ground under Hall of Fame jockey Edgar Prado.
◗ Making south Florida his year-round circuit seemingly has been a good move for trainer Ralph Nicks, who is approaching his career high (34) in wins for a year.
Little Daniella (Last 3 Beyers: 67-65-77)
◗ Honest sort finished second at 16-1 in the same Nov. 26 race at Gulfstream Park West in which Henry’s Song was third, and now she adds Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez. She’d prefer a sizzling pace to be contested by Freewest, Raro, and perhaps Spectacular Me and Catching Fireflies so as to facilitate her kick.
Runway Ready (Last 3 Beyers: 65-75-80)
◗ The outer post can afford her and Julien Leparoux a clean trip, and after getting six works from Gary Contessa to freshen for a winter campaign, she’s liable to show some of the zip she kept flashing earlier this year.