Itsherluckyday holds slim edge in wide-open feature race

Those chasing the $1.5 million jackpot carryover in the Rainbow 6 Thursday at Gulfstream Park might have to spread in the featured eighth race.

There are a host of capable options in the first-level allowance turf route for fillies and mares bred in Florida.

“It’s anybody’s race,” said Kathleen O’Connell, who trains Itsherluckyday.

The jackpot carryover in the Rainbow 6 has not been hit for 41 days. The 20-cent bet runs on races 5-10 Thursday. There also is a $43,846 carryover in the late pick five at Gulfstream.

Itsherluckyday, who is a half-sister to 2015 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint runner-up Lady Shipman, is part of a 10-horse field. Others set to start in the 1 1/16-mile feature include Venezuelan Forever, who steps up in class armed with the field’s best last-race Beyer Speed Figure, and Lovely Luvy, who goes for the hot barn of Gulfstream leading trainer Victor Barboza Jr.

KEY CONTENDERS

Itsherluckyday, by Poseidon’s Warrior

Last 3 Beyers: 63-65-53

◗ She won a maiden special weight at a mile on turf June 13 at Gulfstream and was meant for the same trip last out, but her first-level allowance was moved to the main track. She rallied for third in the mile race, held Aug. 29.

“She showed a lot of grit the last time she ran,” O’Connell said. “She got stopped twice and still tried coming on at the end.”

◗ Itsherluckyday, 3, is a special filly for O’Connell, who trained Lady Shipman for the bulk of her career. Lady Shipman was a Grade 3 winner who won 11 sprint stakes races while compiling career earnings of $902,837.

“Both have got a great personality and a great mind,” O’Connell said. “I always thought what helped Lady Shipman was her raw speed. This filly is different. She goes long.”

◗ Itsherluckyday will break from post 6 under Jairo Rendon.

“She’s happy stalking and making a run,” O’Connell said. “We’ve got the perfect rider with Rendon. We’re looking forward to a good race.”

◗ Itsherluckyday is owned by Ranlo Investments, which also raced Lady Shipman.

Venezuelan Forever, by Treasure Beach

Last 3 Beyers: 86-66-73

◗ She wired a field of $10,000 claiming rivals at a mile on turf in her last start Aug. 15, and the Beyer of 86 she earned is the best last-race number in the Thursday field.

◗ The last time she raced with first-level allowance foes, Venezuelan Forever was fifth in a mile turf race June 20 at Gulfstream.

◗ She will break from post 4 with her primary pace rival, Lady Nina, situated to her immediate outside.

Lovely Luvy, by He’s Had Enough

Last 3 Beyers: 65-69-61

◗ She exits a second-place finish in the same race as Itsherluckyday.

◗ Barboza had three winners Sunday at Gulfstream.