Long-absent Requite returns in Opening Lead

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Trainer George Weaver is hoping history will repeat itself when Requite launches his 2017 campaign as the odds-on favorite in Sunday’s $50,000 Opening Lead Handicap at Gulfstream Park.

The injury-plagued but talented Requite has come off similar extended vacations to post easy wins here in each of the past two seasons and overall is perfect in three starts at Gulfstream, with two of those victories coming in overnight stakes.

As a 3-year-old in 2015, Requite won a pair of races locally as a prelude to his second-place finish at Saratoga in the Grade 2 Amsterdam. A year ago, Requite came off a 10-month hiatus to capture an overnight stakes by 3 1/2 lengths. Weaver then opted to forego the Grade 2 Smile Sprint here in lieu of the Grade 1 Vanderbilt at Saratoga. Requite finished a distant eighth and has not raced since.

“Quarter cracks have been the main issue with him,” said Weaver. “He did rip half his quarter off in his stall a couple of years ago, but it’s hard to say if that’s related to the problem. We’ve been a long time getting him back to the point he’s ready to run again, and hopefully he’ll go over there and perform like he’s capable of.

“He’s done well and is ready to roll, although you never know how things will work out when a horse has been away this long and is going up against others who have been running regularly and are in good form.”

Weaver said that if all goes well Sunday, he would consider bringing Requite back on July 1 for the Smile Sprint, a Win and You’re In race for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint.

“I didn’t bring him back for the Smile last summer because I only had four weeks to the race after he won here,” Weaver said. “But this race gives us five weeks, so the Smile is a definite possibility this year.”

Requite will carry 123 pounds in the Opening Lead, conceding four to 12 pounds to his five rivals, four of whom enter the race off victories, including Easy to Say and Enders Cat.

Easy to Say led throughout to post an optional-claiming win here April 15 and was haltered out of the race by his present connections for $25,000. Enders Cat has won his last two starts for trainer Aubrey Maragh, his most recent triumph at the expense of the odds-on Avast Matey, who flattered the effort with a one-sided allowance win last week.

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Opening Lead, Race 3

KEY CONTENDERS

Requite, by Warrior’s Reward

Last 3 Beyers: 76-98-97

◗ He has had six published works at Palm Beach Downs in preparation for his return.

Easy to Say, by Eskendereya

Last 3 Beyers: 84-94-60

◗ He’s the only member of the field with Beyer Speed Figures comparable to Requite, a trio of 90-plus efforts in 2016.

Enders Cat, by Giant’s Causeway

Last 3 Beyers: 80-68-50

◗ Looked very sharp working five furlongs in 1:00.80 here last weekend.