Lafta runs well fresh, holds class edge in Treasure Coast

Despite being off since she finished sixth in the Grade 3, $150,000 The Very One on March 2, Lafta is clearly the one to beat in the $75,000 Treasure Coast at Gulfstream Park on Saturday. The one-mile turf race drew 10 fillies and mares and headlines a 12-race card that begins at 12:45 p.m. Eastern.

With good reason, trainer Patrick Biancone is expecting a strong performance from Lafta in the Treasure Coast. She will certainly appreciate the class relief. The winner of The Very One, Holy Helena, finished fourth in the Grade 2 New York at Belmont on June 7 and won the Grade 2 Dance Smartly at Woodbine on June 29. The winner’s share of the purse in the Dance Smartly boosted Holy Helena’s career earnings to $1.3 million.

More important, Lafta does her best running as a fresh horse. She began her career in France, and in her first start for Biancone she had been off just over 10 months when she romped in a first-level allowance race with a $25,000 claiming option at Gulfstream last Aug. 8. Coming back on Sept. 29, she took them all the way in the $77,500 Monroe, and then was up against it while breaking from post 14 in the Grade 3 My Charmer, where she made a late run to finish fifth in the one-mile race on turf.

“She is a very nice horse, and when she is feeling good she runs well,” said Biancone. “She did run poorly in her last start, but she runs well fresh and right now she is feeling great both mentally and physically.”

A 5-year-old Kentucky-bred, Lafta will break from post 2 with Jairo Rendon riding.

KEY CONTENDERS

Lafta, by Kitten’s Joy

Last 3 Beyers: 84-87-85

◗ She may have found 1 3/16 miles beyond her scope in The Very One, and with a moderate pace expected, the shape of the Treasure Coast should suit her perfectly.

Midnight Soiree, by Include

Last 3 Beyers: 67-82-87

◗ The Lisa Lewis trainee finished with a rush when she was the runner-up in the $100,000 Ginger Punch for statebreds June 15. It was her first start since she finished fourth in the $75,000 Powder Break on April 27, so she could take a big step forward in her second start back.

◗ Winless in three starts this year as a 4-year-old, she is looking for her first victory since she edged Camila Princess in the controversial Martha Washington on July 7 last year. The stewards disqualified her to second for bumping Camila Princess off stride in the stretch. However, following an appeal hearing the ruling was reversed.

Una Luna, by Dunkirk

Last 3 Beyers: 79-76-73

◗ The ultra-consistent 4-year-old is going for the hat trick after winning her last two starts, both at this distance for trainer Jose Gallegos.

In the first win of her streak, she rallied into a fast pace to edge Lady Alida in a $12,500 starter with a $25,000 claiming option on May 30. She was within striking position of a slow pace in her win over Trilby and Lady Alida in a $16,000 starter with a $25,000 claiming option June 20.

◗ Emisael Jaramillo retains the mount.