Just Before seeks first real victory

Just Before, a 3-year-old filly, is considered a winner, but she has never actually crossed the finish line first. That could change when she runs in an optional $12,500 claiming race at Gulfstream Park on Sunday.

The six-furlong dash for Florida-bred fillies and mares drew six horses and shapes up as a battle between Just Before and the lone speed, Rock All Day.

In her only “win,” Just Before finished behind Cowgirl Tough in a $50,000 maiden-claiming race on turf Oct. 12 in her second start at Gulfstream Park West last year. However, in the stretch, Cowgirl Tough bumped into Just Before and threw her off stride. Following an inquiry, the stewards reversed the order of finish.

Since then, Just Before has raced mostly in stakes races on turf, until her latest start, when she dropped into a $12,500 optional-claiming race on the main track. Fifth early, she rallied to finish second in the 6 1/2-furlong dash for Florida-breds on May 29.

Other than in her debut in a 5 1/2-furlong maiden special weight race on the main track at Gulfstream, it was the only time she has run in a true sprint. She also finished a close fourth going 7 1/2 furlongs on turf in an optional $50,000 claiming race in her first start this year.

It is possible that she has found her niche, and if Eddie Castro can keep her in touch with Rock All Day early, she could be the winner.

Rock All Day looks like the one they will have to catch; she almost took them all the way in a $6,250 claiming race in her last start for trainer Rodolfo Garcia. After leading at every call, she ended up losing the 5 1/2-furlong dash by a head to Candy’s Lady.

Rock All Day was claimed out of the race by trainer Kristin Mulhall, who was acting on behalf of Twilight Racing LLC. Given the lack of speed in this field, Mulhall has found a good spot for Rock All Day to make her first start for her new owners.

KEY CONTENDERS

Just Before, by Teuflesberg

Last 3 Beyers: 71-59-71

◗ Arguably her two best races have come sprinting, so this could be what she really wants to do. She equaled her career-best 71 Beyer Speed Figure in her latest and could improve in her second straight sprint on the main track.

Rock All Day, by Montbrook

Last 3 Beyers: 75-58-62

◗ She could be very tough to run down if she breaks alertly.

Jockey Luzzi out 4-6 weeks

Apprentice jockey Lane Luzzi fractured his collarbone after his mount Parole Board clipped heels and fell during the third race on Thursday at Gulfstream.

Luzzi, the son of veteran rider Mike Luzzi, had just transferred his tack from Maryland to Gulfstream over the weekend. He won the last race Sunday and the first Thursday, aboard the 15-1 Fish and Chips, prior to the incident.

Luzzi’s agent, Walter Blum Jr., said his rider flew back to New York on Friday to be with his family and undergo surgery. Blum said he expected Luzzi to be sidelined four to six weeks.