Maker heavily invested in Gulfstream Park Turf

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – A total of 23 grass specialists were nominated for the Grade 1 Gulfstream Park Turf here next Saturday, with seven coming from Mike Maker’s barn.

Maker’s strong contingent includes Shining Copper, last year’s runner-up in the Gulfstream Park Turf, and Grade 1 winner Bigger Picture, along with Galton, Granny’s Kitten, Oscar Nominated, Sir Dudley Digges, and Tizzarunner. Among the other big names on the list are All Included, Blacktype, Forge, Heart to Heart, March, and Money Multiplier.

Dream Dancing eyes Suwannee River

While Holy Helena might skip the nine-furlong Suwannee River here next weekend, trainer Mark Casse is pointing toward the race with Dream Dancing, who comes off an unlucky second-place finish in the Grade 3 Marshua’s River on Jan. 13.

Dream Dancing, winner of the Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks at 3, was caught wide and off a very slow pace in the Marshua’s River, ultimately rallying to finish second as the 8-5 favorite behind Ultra Brat.

“She has one style of running, and the race had no pace. I mean, you can’t get any slower pace than she did that day,” Casse said. “You always worry running against older horses, for the first time as well, so all in all I was very pleased with her performance and I think she’ll enjoy the little extra ground in the Suwannee River.”

Ultra Brat is also among the 28 fillies and mares nominated to the Suwannee River.

Noholdingbackbear progresses

Noholdingbackbear, who won the 2016 running of the Grade 3 Gallant Bob at Parx Racing at the direct expense of runner-up Mind Your Biscuits, continues to gear up for his return. Noholdingbackbear, who has not started since a fifth-place finish in the Grade 2 Highlander Stakes last July at Woodbine, worked an easy five furlongs in 1:04 here Friday, his fifth work since arriving locally with trainer Mike DiPaulo earlier this winter.