Identity Politics preps for Carter in allowance

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Identity Politics, second in the Malibu Stakes at Santa Anita in his last start on Dec. 26, is using an allowance race at Gulfstream on Sunday as a bridge to another Grade 1 race, the Carter at Aqueduct on April 6, trainer Chad Brown said.

The seven-furlong race, the 10th on Sunday’s card, is an optional claimer that drew eight other runners, only one of whom is entered for a $25,000 claiming tag.

Identity Politics, 4, had made only four starts when he was sent west for the Malibu. He finished 4 3/4 lengths behind the victorious McKinzie, but beat 12 other runners.

“We took a shot with a lightly raced horse. It was worth the trip,” Brown said Friday morning at his barn at the Palm Meadows training center. “We’re hoping to use the race Sunday as a prep to the Carter.”

Identity Politics, by Into Mischief, is eligible to the first-level allowance because he has just one win, against maidens. Irad Ortiz Jr., who has ridden him in his last three starts, is back aboard.