Litfin's preview: First-time geldings spice pick four

FIRST-TIME GELDINGS

There are four first-time geldings in the late pick four sequence, beginning in the first leg, race 6, with Nowhere to Run. The 3-year-old cuts back from a 1 1/4 miles to 1 1/16 miles after being idle since May 21. Nowhere to Run went wire to wire against maidens at 1 1/16 miles back on Dec. 7, when he returned from a similar layoff and lit up the tote board at nearly 34-1.

In race 7, a one-mile starter allowance, Maximus Decimus and Mack Miller (named for the legendary trainer) have both been gelded since their last start.

Maximus Decimus has been sidelined since May 23, and gets a switch back to Cornelio Velasquez, who was aboard for the 3-year-old’s maiden win last fall.

Mack Miller, unraced since a maiden win for Todd Pletcher last Dec. 13, has had three recent workouts for new trainer Gary Contessa.

In race 8, new gelding Red Rifle, a $100,000 stakes winner at Sam Houston three starts ago but far back in the Ben Ali and the Westchester after that, returns to turf for the first time since running fourth in the Hill Prince last year.

HARRY MEETS HARRY

The final week of the meet begins with a restricted claimer that, if nothing else, gives track announcer Tom Durkin some material to work with, as Harry Consoliator squares off against Harrythenavigator.

The two geldings boast the top last-out Beyer Figures in the field of seven, so it’s entirely possible they could hook up in a memorable stretch battle – at least for those named Harry.

GRADE 1 WINNER LOCHTE IN FEATURE

Lochte, who posted a shocking 39-1 upset in the Grade 1 Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap back on Feb. 9, is still eligible for the third-level allowance conditions of race 8. He is hard to gauge after finishing next-to-last as the favorite in the Grade 2 Monmouth Stakes first time back from a freshening, and must overcome post 12 in the one-mile race.

Bad Debt and Swift Warrior are in for the optional $80,000 claiming price.

The one to catch is Plainview, who had a tough pace situation in the Poker Stakes first time out this year, and was subsequently scratched from Friday’s $150,000 Forbidden Apple Stakes to await firmer footing.

HORSES TO WATCH

DEEP SPEED
Trainer: Rick Mettee
Last race: July 6, 8th
Finish: 1st by head
Beyer: 92

The import from Team Valor International and Lael Stable raced up close early, dropped back several positions through the middle stages, surged to a clear lead in the stretch, and battled back gamely to take his second straight allowance condition in the United States.