Jay's Suave back at scene of only flop

OCEANPORT, N.J. - Jay's Suave has run well in all but one start since trainer Jim Ryerson claimed him for $40,000 in January at Gulfstream Park. That one poor outing came May 15 in an allowance at Monmouth Park, Ryerson's home track.

That makes Thursday's featured $39,000 first-level allowance race for 3-year-olds an interesting test. Jay's Suave gets another chance to show he can run on the Jersey Shore. He has the rail against eight rivals in the six-furlong race.

"We're hoping to have him run good here, which he didn't do the first time," Ryerson said. "We really don't have a reason for that. He didn't show up that day here."

Jay's Suave ran fifth May 15, the only time he has not hit the board for Ryerson. He has three seconds and three thirds in the other six starts for the new barn, including losses by a nose and a neck in Delaware Park allowance races. Most recently, Jay's Suave ran third in a starter allowance at Belmont Park.

"He has been a nice claim, but we haven't been able to win with him," said Ryerson. "We've been close."

Elvis Trujillo will try to close the deal Thursday, when he rides Jay's Suave for the first time.

Jay's Suave faces three horses who won their maidens last time out: Saffir, Kaufy Machine, and Coogee Beach.

Saffir lived up to expectations with a pacesetting victory for trainer Christophe Clement at Belmont Park. It was the second start for Saffir, who was third in his debut. A son of Unbridled, Saffir was a $1.8 million yearling purchase at the September Keeneland sale.

Kaufy Machine also scored his first win in his second start. He logged that victory in late May at Monmouth for trainer Kirk Ziadie.

Coogee Beach won at first asking for trainer Ben Perkins Jr. on July 4.

Just Thunder returns to allowance company for the first time since last year. Trainer Tim Hills ran him three times at Monmouth this summer, all in claimers. Just Thunder won last time on the drop to the $25,000 level and a switch from turf to the main track.

Golden Union makes his debut for trainer Tony Wilson. Golden Union was claimed out of the race won by Just Thunder, in which he chased the pace from the outside before fading.

Clemson You, Wahran, and Grey Goose Kid complete the field.