Moonlight Bandit should score at short price in small field

Moonlight Bandit looks poised to snatch the largest piece of the $43,000 purse in Friday’s third race at Gulfstream Park, a first-level optional $16,000 claimer.

An astute claim for $30,000 in March at Gulfstream, Moonlight Bandit has since raced competitively three times for trainer Saphie Joseph Jr. The first time off the claim, Moonlight Bandit ran a close fourth on grass, followed by a blowout win in a starter allowance and a runner-up finish against a similar entry-level allowance field June 26.

That most recent effort, in which Moonlight Bandit was beaten a length, came despite traffic problems that led to him being boxed in on the turn. Even so, he surged to take command in midstretch, and while unable to outfinish the winner, Moonlight Bandit finished eight lengths ahead of the third-place horse.

Well drawn on the outside in post 5 in a short field going a one-turn mile, Moonlight Bandit appears unlikely to get another difficult trip. He ought to be able to sit close to the lead, in the clear under Edgard Zayas, who was aboard for the victory two races ago May 21.

Catching a weak group also works in favor of Moonlight Bandit. Two of his four rivals, Amberjack and Ifyousnoozeyoulose, enter the race off rear-half finishes, and the other pair in the race, Billion Star and Dancin in the Heat, are taking notable class hikes after winning a maiden race and a $12,500 claimer, respectively.

Race 3

Key Contenders

Amberjack, by Indygo Shiner

Last 3 Beyers: 56-75-81

◗ He didn’t run to his potential when sixth, beaten 16 1/2 lengths, on June 26 but had previously turned in some promising efforts at Gulfstream when racing a mile, most notably in defeating $12,500 claimers by 14 lengths three races ago on May 5.

Billion Star, by Bernardini

Last 3 Beyers: 68-62-53

◗ A $750,000 yearling purchase in 2014, he has the best pedigree of any entrant as a full brother to Grade 1 winners To Honor and Serve and Angela Renee.

Dancin in the Heat, by Bring the Heat

Last 3 Beyers: 80-45-72

◗ He is consistent, having run first or second in five of his last six starts, with the exception coming two races ago, where he ran ninth in an allowance contested over a sloppy track.

Moonlight Bandit, by Malibu Moon

Last 3 Beyers: 82-77-80

◗ After being the 8-5 favorite in his last race, in which he was the runner-up against seven rivals, an even shorter price looms Friday in a five-horse field. A price of 4-5 or less is anticipated.